NEW: Marines Begin Amphibious “Training Exercise” Near Diego Garcia as Kharg Island Speculation Grows

Talk of a U.S. “practice run” is gaining traction as officials in Washington quietly map out scenarios that could position Marine forces within striking distance of Iran, with growing attention focused on Kharg Island as a key objective.

According to emerging reports, U.S. planners are considering the possibility of a sustained ground campaign inside Iran that could last several weeks. Kharg Island is reportedly being evaluated as a primary target. The Pentagon is said to be developing multiple operational pathways, including potential raids carried out by Special Operations units alongside deployments of standard infantry forces. The Washington Post noted that no final call has been made by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about the report.

As tensions continue and global energy markets remain sensitive, Kharg Island has taken on heightened strategic importance. Positioned just off Iran’s coastline, the island is responsible for handling approximately 90% of the country’s oil exports and can store an estimated 31 million barrels, making it a critical hub in Tehran’s energy infrastructure.

Recent U.S. military activity has already targeted elements tied to Iran’s operational capabilities. This has included strikes involving Kharg, although key oil facilities were deliberately avoided. Trump previously indicated that those energy assets were intentionally “spared” during earlier actions.

At the same time, the Marine Corps has been actively preparing for the type of mission such a scenario would require. Forces recently conducted a full-scale amphibious landing exercise on Diego Garcia, a remote U.S.-controlled base in the Indian Ocean known for its logistical significance. The drill closely mirrored the kind of rapid island-entry operation that would be necessary if orders were given to deploy troops ashore in a real-world situation.

🚨 JUST IN: US Marines conducted a simulated AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT landing on the island of Diego Garcia

"A simulated amphibious assault landing they exercised in Diego Garcia — that's exactly the kind of operation they might be ordered to do by President Trump if he decides to… pic.twitter.com/7lv1oGYmcA

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 3, 2026

The shift in military positioning is becoming increasingly noticeable. Over the weekend, U.S. Central Command confirmed that a significant amphibious force has moved into the region, highlighted by the arrival of the USS Tripoli along with its onboard Marines and aviation units.

“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets,” the command said.

This type of deployment is specifically designed for rapid-response operations, offering flexibility for missions such as targeted raids or amphibious assaults. At the same time, it provides a strong offshore presence that can apply pressure on Tehran while allowing U.S. leadership to maintain strategic flexibility without signaling an immediate move toward a large-scale ground conflict.

Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt: “U.S. Marines have been posting pictures of a simulated amphibious assault landing that they exercised in Diego Garcia — that's exactly the kind of operation they might be ordered to do by President Trump if he decides to take one or more of the islands… pic.twitter.com/OA9kcr6Tdp

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) April 3, 2026

Additional reporting has added to the picture. CNN indicated that several thousand U.S. troops have been moved into the broader region, though officials have not revealed exactly where they are positioned. The lack of detail has only intensified speculation that some of these deployments could be linked to contingency scenarios involving Kharg Island—potentially focused on controlling or restricting Iran’s use of what is widely viewed as its primary oil export hub.

Separately, Reuters reported that Marine units are already operating in the Middle East, with discussions underway about reinforcing them with additional forces. Among those being considered are troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, as the situation moves deeper into its second month.

At this stage, the White House continues to emphasize a distinction between preparation and execution. Still, as training exercises increase and attention around Kharg Island intensifies, the broader signal toward Tehran is unmistakable: the United States is positioning assets so that, if directed, the next step could involve ground forces rather than relying solely on airstrikes.

#Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, @31stMeu execute a simulated reconnaissance and surveillance mission part of a simulated amphibious assault at naval support facility, Diego Garcia.

The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the… pic.twitter.com/lrgJ4qpeKC

— U.S. Marines (@USMC) April 2, 2026

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