Before executing a landing operation, it would be logical to see a weakening of the defenses.
Iran has fortified Hark Island with troops, air defense systems, and mines in preparation for a possible U.S. ground operation. However, the landing is likely to occur elsewhere.
Before landing on Hark, it is probable that U.S. military forces may conduct an operation to seize the Greater Tomb, Lesser Tomb, Siri, and Abu Musa islands. These islands are located in the middle of the Strait of Hormuz, and capturing them would provide effective control over the entire strait. Three of them have runways.
Before executing a landing operation, it would be logical to see a weakening of the defenses of the islands. To date, the U.S. has carried out massive airstrikes on two islands — Hark, where more than 90 military targets were hit, as well as on Greater Tomb.
In Israeli social media, military bloggers note that underground bunkers, docks, and the runway have been hit on Greater Tomb. This suggests that these two islands are being prepared for the operation.
In the landing operation, as reported by American media, the 31st and 11th Marine Expeditionary Units (each with a strength of up to 2,200 personnel), various special forces units, and to secure the area, fighters from the 82nd Airborne Division will be brought in.
Landing troops on Hark, without control over the Strait of Hormuz, appears premature or a diversionary maneuver. Hark is important for Iran's economy, but as a military maneuver for the U.S. and Israeli coalition, it offers nothing.
