I hate warmongers, and the war on Iran is definitely not on my radar for an article. But as rumours are abroad about the US apparently planning to deploy ships, troops and whatever else, to invade the island of Kharg in the strait of Hormuz, I must mention that the Dutch is a part of the history of Kharg. The Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) took possession of this island in 1753

Since 1723, the VOC had an important settlement in Persia, namely Bandar Abbas, which was situated opposite Kharg, or Kareek as it was called at the time. When the VOC was no longer successful in trade there in 1750, the Gentlemen XVII (the central VOC board) wanted to abandon the area. To avoid toll collection and to evade the English, Governor-General Jacob Mossel, at the instigation of a local resident Tido Frederik von Kniphausen, decided to try one last time to continue trade at Kareek.

In 1753, a settlement was built there, consisting of a rectangular stone fort that was named Mosselstein. Initially, the fort was armed with the cannons and ammunition from the abandoned ship 't Fortuijn. With this, the fort was strong enough to withstand an attack by local enemies. The militia (garrison) consisted of 1 sergeant, 2 corporals and 50 commoners (soldiers), 1 constable's mate and 8 gunners (artillerymen). Gunpowder and 18-pound cannons were also brought in; due to a lack of gun carriages, these were mounted on garrison carriages. At one point in time, the residents indicated that it was necessary to cut off the corner of the island, on which the fort was built, with a moat. This work was estimated to cost 30,000 guilders, but had the advantage that small ships could also use the moat as a harbour, making loading and unloading easier and faster.

Sugar from Java and Indian textiles were sold in the Kareek settlement. It soon became clear that the settlement could not be made profitable, and it was closed on 1 January 1766. The Persian army attacked the fort and plundered it. The company's ships were not allowed to take the VOC's possessions. And that ended Dutch presence in the strait of Hormuz.

For good, II sincerely hope. In my, very humble, opinion, the Dutch should not be enticed, by way of the EU, to participate in a ground war in Iran, starting on the island of Kharg.