'Iran's enemies' preparing ground invasion of island, says top politician

Thursday, 26 March 2026 09:26

As the US moves elite troops into the region, Iran is reportedly filling the beaches with land mines.

Iran is anticipating a ground invasion of one of its islands, one of the country's top politicians has said.

Speaker of Parliament Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf announced the news via X this morning.

"Based on some data, Iran's enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands," Ghalibaf said.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf has been a prominent spokesperson for the regime.

"All enemy movements are under the full surveillance of our armed forces.

"If they step out of line, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will, without restriction, become the target of relentless attacks."

Ghalibaf did not specify who he meant by Iran's enemies or which regional country he was referring to.

But Iran is surrounded on several sides by nations with which it has long and animus histories.

The most obvious target Ghalibaf might be alluding to is Kharg Island, a vital infrastructure hub from which 90 per cent of Iran's oil is exported.

Because mainland Iran lacks substantial deepwater ports, oil is piped to the island where it is loaded onto tankers.

Kharg Island is the most valuable piece of economic infrastructure to Iran.

The US has already conducted air strikes on the island, and Axios reported on Saturday that Trump was considering an invasion there.

Iran has been laying land mines as well as moving more troops and air defences to Kharg Island.

The rough, rocky terrain and substantial layered defences of the island indicates that if Iran were to resist a US invasion there, it would be bloody.

But there are other islands that are of strategic value to Iran.

Located in the Strait of Hormuz, Qeshm Island is another likely potential target.

The island reportedly contains underground tunnels hiding anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and attack craft.

It remains one of the most strategically vital locations for Iran if it wants to continue cutting off the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping.

Abu Musa is another potential target.

The island in the Persian Gulf contains significant military infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has also staked a claim on the island, but Iran currently occupies it.