U.S.-Iran Conflict: Experts Warn Against Kharg Island Invasion Amid Global Economic Strain

As the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its 18th day, military experts are cautioning the Trump administration against a potential ground assault on Kharg Island. Former intelligence official Harrison Mann described such a move against the island—which handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports—as a 'suicide mission.' The administration currently faces pressure to define an exit strategy as U.S. casualties rise to 13 dead and more than 200 injured. On the diplomatic front, President Trump’s efforts to build a maritime coalition have met resistance from Seoul. South Korea’s President stated that any naval response in the Strait of Hormuz must comply with domestic law, signaling a preference for caution over immediate military alignment. This hesitation comes amid a worsening regional humanitarian crisis; Iran has reported multiple civilian deaths, including children, while its security forces have arrested at least 500 individuals in a domestic crackdown on alleged collaborators. The economic outlook remains dire as Goldman Sachs warns of a possible 14% drop in Gulf states' GDP if hostilities continue through April. Iranian drone attacks have intensified, causing fires at a major UAE oil trading hub and minor damage to Baghdad’s Green Zone. While Saudi Arabia successfully intercepted nearly 100 drones in a 24-hour period, the persistent strikes on energy infrastructure continue to disrupt global oil flows and regional stability.