Inside the Force That Could Lead a U.S. Landing on Iran

If the U.S. decides to seize Kharg Island—the backbone of Iran’s oil exports—the Marines will lead the way.
Founded in 1775, the Marine Corps is an elite assault force specialized in amphibious operations and missions deep behind enemy lines.
Marines are organized into three main formations: Marine Expeditionary Forces, the largest strike units; Marine Expeditionary Units, built for rapid-response landings; and Raiders, elite forces for special operations.
They deploy within naval fleets that include helicopter carriers and amphibious assault ships like the USS Tripoli.
At any given time, at least one Marine unit is patrolling the waters of the Middle East. Kharg Island handles 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports—cut it off, and you cut off the regime’s lifeline.
A landing would be a massive operation, but this is exactly what Marines train for. From the shores of Tripoli to the Persian Gulf, they have been doing this for 250 years. The ships are in position. The troops are ready. If the order comes, they will go.