In a striking assessment of the ongoing conflict with Iran, former U.S. Army Special Forces officer and Middle East Forum chief strategist Jim Hanson suggested that the United States could move beyond airstrikes to a full ground occupation of Iran’s vital oil infrastructure.
Appearing on Fox News on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Hanson analyzed the arrival of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Japan a formidable force equipped with F-35s, attack helicopters, and armored units.
He argued that this deployment gives President Donald Trump the option to seize Iran’s economic engine to ensure it is preserved for a future democratic government.
The discussion followed reports that the U.S. had successfully struck every military installation on Kharg Island, the hub for 90% of Iran’s oil exports. See More/Details