Former CENTCOM Commander Advocates Seizing Iranian Territory to Force Negotiations

What was said

"That capability is resident in the U.S. military should the president elect to employ it. That would include opening the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the Strait of Hormuz open, and in fact seizing Kharg Island should we elect to do that. And I would just say as an aside, That's something we should think about doing because possession of Iranian soil would be a significant factor in future negotiations with Iran."

Retired General Frank McKenzie, former CENTCOM commander and mentor to current CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper, publicly advocated on CBS Face the Nation for U.S. military seizure of Iranian territory, specifically Kharg Island, as leverage in negotiations. McKenzie stated the U.S. has the capability to control the Strait of Hormuz and take Iranian soil if President Trump chooses that course of action. The appearance on regime-aligned media is characterized as a trial balloon for potential ground invasion plans.