Finally, it is worth noting that there has been so much noise made about a possible US ground assault on Kharg that it could be part of some deception plan.
There is no doubting its strategic value to Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
But there are other islands in the Gulf that could also be in America’s sights. These include Larak Island, just offshore from the key port of Bandar Abbas, and sitting right on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is currently making all tanker traffic pass by this island for checking and reportedly forcing vessels to pay $2m (£1.5m) to cross.
Then there is Qeshm, the largest island in the Gulf and 75 times bigger than Kharg, where Iran is suspected of housing underground missile and drone sites.
And there are three islands, Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, whose ownership is disputed between Iran and the UAE but all are occupied by Iran.
Taken together with other Iranian islands, these Gulf islands form a protective shield for Iran that can threaten shipping and give it a geographical advantage that goes a long way to offset America’s superior military power.
Then, there is the possibility that none of the above happens.
At the same time as sending more troops to the region and signalling the possibility of a ground operation, Trump said again on Monday that the US is in “serious discussions” with Iran, which could “end our military operations”.
As we move into the fifth week of the war, Trump’s public statements give little clue as to what his next big move will be.
But a “deal”, which many suspect President Trump is more desperate for than the Iranians, will require bridging the currently enormous gap between the US and Iranian positions.
