[US Media Claims US Military May Seize Island to Force Iran to Open Strait of Hormuz] According to Golden Finance, on March 19, the US *Wall Street Journal* reported, citing sources, that the United States is deploying additional troops to the Middle East and may seize Iran's key oil export hub to compel Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. The report states that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, consisting of approximately 2,200 personnel, is aboard an amphibious assault ship traveling from Japan to the Middle East, expected to arrive in about a week. The US may use this unit to occupy Kharg Island as leverage to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Former US Central Command Commander Frank McKenzie stated, "(The US military) could destroy its (Kharg Island's) oil infrastructure, which would cause irreparable damage to Iran and the global economy. Alternatively, it could occupy it as a bargaining chip." (Xinhua News Agency)