Israeli TV news i24 reported this evening that American officials have recently told Israeli counterparts and other regional players that Washington may conclude it has no alternative but to launch a ground operation to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, according to new details now coming to light.

Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is one of Iran’s most strategically vital assets. It serves as the regime’s main oil export hub, with the vast majority of those shipments reportedly heading to China. Discussions inside the US administration are said to be focused on whether taking control of the island could force Iran to stop interfering with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.