Watch | Trump’s Kharg Island threat likely pressure tactic, but war risks remain high: Experts

US President Donald Trump’s threat to seize Kharg Island is likely a pressure tactic, but risks of a wider conflict remain elevated, experts told CNBC-TV18, as military activity intensifies across the region.

Strategic analyst Anju Gupta said the positions of the US and Iran are far apart, noting, “there is no middle ground,” while continued strikes suggest both sides are unwilling to back down. She added Iran appears “very well prepared for a long haul,” citing reports of pre-positioned oil reserves to sustain revenues.

Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat said capturing Kharg Island may offer a strategic edge but warned it may not be easy to hold. “At this moment, it appears to be some kind of pressure tactic,” he said, cautioning that any escalation could make victory “extremely costly” and potentially “set the whole region on fire.”

Sanjeev Yadav of Banyan Tree Global said the US and Israel remain aligned despite tactical differences, with “multiple options clearly on the table,” including troop deployments and infrastructure targeting.