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The United States has been increasing its forces in the Middle East, even as President Trump has vowed to end the war with Iran soon. In recent days, more than 5,000 Marines, paratroopers and special forces have arrived in the region, raising the possibility of a ground invasion.
Trump threatened last week to invade Iran's main oil export hub, Kharg Island, and destroy its facilities if Iran does not allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has essentially closed it since it was attacked by the United States and Israel a month ago.
To reach Kharg Island, US amphibious forces which experts say are most likely to be part of any land operation, would have to make their way about 500 miles into the Persian Gulf.
"That would be very dangerous," said Mark F. Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a retired Marine Corps colonel.
"That's why I think opening the strait could be the first."
US officials say the president is also considering whether to invade islands located in and near the strait, in an effort to open the waterway, which in normal times transports much of the world's oil and gas.
Experts say the islands near the mouth of the strait are critical for maritime transport, but Iran's large military presence there, especially in Qeshm, would make ground operations dangerous.
Iran is already using the islands to control oil flows. Since the start of the war, Iran has granted a small number of ships permission to pass through the strait, often using a route around Larakh.
Further, the deep waters between these islands make them critical for shipping routes.
The United Arab Emirates also claims all three islands, giving them additional political importance to Iran. Losing control of any of them would be a bitter defeat for the Iranians.
Although Kharg Island exports most of Iran's oil, Lavan and Siri, two islands closer to the strait, also have terminals for storing and exporting oil.
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