Ground invasion of Iran coming? US hits Kharg Island, bridges and deploys troops

Key points:

• Strike on Kharg: The US and Israel attacked Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil hub, through which about 90% of the country’s oil exports pass.
• Bridges under attack: The B1 bridge between Tehran and Karaj has been destroyed. Eight people were killed and 95 were injured. Trump is threatening to destroy all of Iran’s bridges and power plants.
• Midnight ultimatum: US President Donald Trump demanded that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened by 8:00 p.m. Washington time on April 7. Iran ignored the demand.
• Ground operation: The US is considering seizing Kharg Island with Marine forces. Thousands of airborne troops and Marines have already been deployed to the Middle East.
• "A whole civilization will die tonight," the US President wrote on Truth Social.

Strike on Iran’s oil hub

The US and Israel attacked Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf — Iran’s main oil hub. Several explosions were reported on the island, according to Hindustan Times and India Today.

Around 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass through Kharg, most of it destined for China.

Are bridges the next target?

At the same time, the B1 bridge, one of Iran’s largest, stretching 500 meters between Tehran and Karaj, has already been destroyed. According to The Guardian, eight people were killed, and 95 were injured in the strike. A celebration was taking place under the bridge at the time.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — much more to follow! It is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Photo: one of the destroyed bridges in Iran (X.com)

Trump threatens to destroy everything

The US leader said the United States could destroy all of Iran’s bridges and power plants within hours, by midnight on April 8 North American time.

"We have a plan… where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night, where every power plant will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again," he stated.

When asked by a journalist whether this would constitute war crimes, Trump replied that the real war crime would be allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

In his Truth Social post, Trump also wrote:

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will."

US military preparations

The United States is significantly increasing its presence in the region. Thousands of Marines and airborne troops are currently being deployed, and rapid response forces have been placed on combat alert.

In particular, Senator Tom Cotton confirmed the deployment of the 142nd Artillery Brigade. Additional reinforcements, including a military vessel, are expected to arrive under the US Central Command in the near future.

Strategic plans and risks

The Trump administration is considering the option of seizing Iran’s Kharg Island. The goal of such an operation is to gain leverage over Tehran to ensure the uninterrupted passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, military analysts and experts warn that the operation could result in significant casualties among US forces.

While the island itself could be captured quickly, it could also trigger a prolonged full-scale war instead of a swift resolution to the conflict.

Photo: location of Kharg Island (Google Maps screenshot)

Tehran is actively preparing to repel a potential attack:

• Additional air defense units and portable missile systems have been deployed to Kharg Island.
• A multi-layered defense system has been established.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry has officially condemned strikes on infrastructure, including bridges, calling them war crimes against civilian objects.

Vice President JD Vance outlined Washington’s tough stance. He said the US expects a clear response from Iran by 8:00 p.m.

The main demand is to ensure stable energy exports. Vance stressed that the US seeks peace but is ready to use measures it hasn't used before.

Quick Q&A

- Why did the US and Israel target Kharg Island?

Kharg Island is a critically important point for Iran’s economy. Around 90% of the country’s oil exports pass through this terminal. Striking it aims to fully block Tehran’s foreign currency revenues and deprive the country of resources to fund military programs.

- What ultimatum did Donald Trump issue?

The US President demanded that Iran guarantee the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The deadline was set for 8:00 p.m. Washington time on April 7.

Since Iran ignored the demand, Trump said he is ready to move to the next phase — destroying the country’s energy and transport infrastructure.

- What is known about the destruction of the B1 bridge?

It is one of Iran’s largest bridges (500 meters), connecting Tehran and Karaj. The structure was completely destroyed in the attack.

Trump called it just the beginning, promising to destroy every bridge in the country.

- Is a US ground operation really possible?

Such a plan is officially under consideration. The priority target is the seizure of Kharg Island by Marine forces to establish control over oil flows.

Thousands of airborne troops, Marines, and artillery units have already been deployed to the Middle East.

- What risks does this escalation pose for the world?

A strike on Iran’s exports could trigger a sharp spike in global fuel prices.

Analysts warn that targeted strikes could escalate into a full-scale conflict involving many countries in the region.

Trump’s threats to destroy power plants could lead to a total blackout in Iran, putting millions of civilians at risk.

- How is Iran responding?

Tehran has placed its armed forces on full combat readiness. Additional air defense systems have been deployed to strategic sites, and Iran’s Foreign Ministry has officially accused the US of committing war crimes over attacks on civilian infrastructure.