That is well within the construct of SOF ops and raids which I've discussed in other threads. If you go in, accomplish something, and get out within a matter of days without taking responsibility for local infrastructure or governance that's not a quagmire.

Even if you hold a small island long-term, that's not a big deal. The people on Kharg are mostly there to support the oil ops.

If you dust off your old books from the war college, you can remind yourself that raids and similar activities are options in the early phases. They don't have to be a prelude to OIF style invasion.

As I keep saying, don't get too wrapped in bOotS oN GRoUnD.

A few Boots touching ground isn't the problem.

A lot of Boots staying on the ground would be a problem, and a very big one WRT to IR (much worse than OIF/OEF). For the US. IL seems to be talking up the need for BoG this week, perhaps they're hoping we'll do that for them?