The White House announced on Friday the 20th that the United States could attack Iran's Kharg Island at any time if President Donald Trump gives the order.

This comes amid reports that the Trump administration is considering options to seize or blockade Kharg Island, a strategic oil hub.

"If the President gives the order, the U.S. military can take Kharg Island at any time," White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP.

Kelly added, "Thanks to the detailed planning process, the entire administration was and remains prepared for any potential actions the terrorist regime of Iran may take."

She stated, "President Trump was well aware that Iran would try to obstruct freedom of navigation and the free flow of energy, and has already taken steps to destroy more than 40 mine-laying vessels."

Axios reported on Friday that the Trump administration is considering seizing Kharg Island to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Kharg Island, located about 30 kilometers off the Iranian mainland, hosts a crucial port that handles approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Last Saturday, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike on military facilities on the island.

President Trump told reporters on Thursday, "We call it a totally defenseless island whenever we want," adding, "We removed everything except the pipes. We left the pipes because it would take years to rebuild the pipes."

The White House's confirmation of a potential Kharg Island landing operation comes after U.S. media reported on the additional deployment of Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, suggesting the possibility of an amphibious operation starting three weeks after the start of the U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran.

The USS Tripoli and a Marine expeditionary unit of 2,500 personnel are expected to arrive in the region within days. In addition, two more units of similar size are en route to the area, according to Newsmax and Reuters.

Axios reported, "Three sources said that the occupation of the island by ground forces is under serious consideration."

U.S. NNP = Sung Ku Hong, Editor-in-Chief / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com