McKenzie Says US Has Long Prepared Ground Operation Plans for Iran
Frank McKenzie says the US has spent years planning Iran ground operation scenarios, including possible moves against Khark Island and coastal bases.
In an interview with CBS News, former CENTCOM chief General Frank McKenzie said the US military has been developing scenarios for a ground operation in Iran for several years.
According to McKenzie, the plans focus on operations along Iran’s southern coast. He said the Pentagon could consider seizing Khark Island or small military bases in that area.
He explained that such actions had usually been viewed as raids, meaning operations with a planned withdrawal rather than a long-term presence. At the same time, he argued that some of the islands could be captured and held.
In McKenzie’s view, the seizure of Iranian territory by US forces would deal a serious blow to Teheran’s prestige while also strengthening Washington’s hand in negotiations. He also said that taking Khark Island could paralyze Iran’s oil industry. As he sees it, the advantage of that scenario is that the island would not have to be destroyed.
Earlier, The New York Times reported that more than 50,000 US troops are currently deployed in the Middle East. According to the newspaper, the transfer of 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors increased the size of the American contingent in the region by about 10,000 personnel.