Model Perspective

Mar 26, 2026 · Industry Insights

Can the U.S. Secure Iran’s Oil Lifeline? A Structured Cost‑Benefit Analysis of Seizing Harlek Island

This article builds a qualitative‑semi‑quantitative framework to assess the landing, combat, and holding costs of a potential U.S. ground operation on Iran’s strategically vital Harlek Island, weighing military attrition, strategic payoff, political constraints, and public opinion.