Air Defenses
The island features a multilayered air defense network, including HAWK surface-to-air missile systems, anti-aircraft artillery, and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).
Ground Defenses
All potential landing zones on the island are saturated with anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, while Iranian ground troops occupy entrenched defensive positions.
Naval Defenses
In the event of a US attack on Kharg, the Iranian navy is unlikely to remain idle, it would likely strike back using anti-ship missiles and fast attack boats.
The Mainland Factor
Any US invasion or occupation force on Kharg Island would be vulnerable to drone and missile strikes from the Iranian mainland, located just a short distance away.