A large force of Marines is headed to the Iranian war. The speculation is that they will be tasked with seizing Kharg Island. We should all worry about the Marines if this is done. The current administration claims they do not need Ukrainian help in the Iran war. Meanwhile, Iranian drones, many of them Shaheds, are causing lots of problems for the U.S. effort in this crazy war of choice. Is Trump foolish enough to send in the Marines? Unfortunately, probably yes. Will the Iranians defend the island, with its cultural treasures and oil facilities? Again, assuredly yes.
Consider what may lie in wait on this 20 square kilometer island. The Marines are an impressive modern force. However, they have never seen the sort of drone warfare now playing out in Ukraine. I am not an expert, but have followed the war in Ukraine closely. In a recent NATO exercise, a 10-man Ukrainian drone team decimated several battalions of NATO troops.(sorry about the pay wall, but a quick google search will locate multiple accessible stories about this). The Russians have similar expertise and have been advising the Iranians. Given Iranian history of producing other types of drones and their connections to Russia, the presence of skilled Iranian drone teams positioned on Kharg Island is a real possibility. Pre-landing bombardment, ongoing now, will take out the big and expensive defensive systems, or at least the ones that are detectable. It will not take out small teams sheltered all over the island. This should not come as a surprise to anyone but Hegseth and Trump.
I fear for the Marines and urge you all to contact your representatives in Congress to push back on this enterprise.
