Iran has been laying traps and moving additional military personnel and air defenses to Kharg Island in recent weeks in preparation for a possible US operation to take control of the island, according to multiple people familiar with US intelligence reporting on the issue.

Tehran threatens to reduce US-linked oil facilities to ‘pile of ashes’ if oil structures on the island are attacked.

Is US preparing to seize Kharg island, and how can Iran respond? The question has gained attention after comments by Donald Trump and rising military activity involving the United States and Iran. Kharg Island plays a key role in Iran oil exports and global energy supply.

President Donald Trump said he was in “heated negotiations” involving the war with Iran after Pakistan, in the role of mediator, asked for a two-week extension of his Tuesday deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump's self-imposed deadline on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz ends at 8 pm GMT on Tuesday (5:30 am IST on Wednesday). Less than 24 hours are now remaining before the deadline ends. | Wor

The rescue could impact how Trump views a ground operation to take Kharg Island or to seize enriched uranium sites.