US President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington could move to take control of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, even as he claimed negotiations with Tehran were progressing.
Kharg Island handles more than 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, making it central to the country’s economy. Any move to take it or exert control over it could seriously disrupt the world’s oil supply and further inflame the current conflict between the United States and Israel.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump indicated that such a move was one of several options under consideration. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” he said. He also suggested that Iran may not be able to defend the facility effectively. “I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily,” he added.
Trump was blunt about his larger objective, saying he would prefer to control Iran’s oil resources. “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say, ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” he told the Financial Times.
He acknowledged that any such operation would not be short-term. “It would also mean we had to be there for a while,” he said, drawing comparisons with US policy in Venezuela, where Washington has considered maintaining long-term control over oil assets.
Talks with Iran continue amid military escalation
Even as he spoke of military options, Trump struck a more optimistic note on diplomacy. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said there had been “very good negotiations” with Iran and hinted that an agreement could come soon.
“I do see a deal in Iran, yeah. Could be soon,” he said, adding that talks were happening both directly and indirectly. He also described the passage of 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a “sign of respect” from Iran.
At the same time, Trump referred to ongoing US military activity in the region. “We’ve destroyed many, many targets today. It was a big day,” he said, without providing details.
According to US officials cited in reports, Washington is also considering steps to secure nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran as part of its strategy.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has increased its military presence in the Middle East. US Central Command said more than 3,500 additional troops, including around 2,500 Marines, have been deployed, with plans to send up to 10,000 personnel.
On the diplomatic front, Iran’s Acting Defence Minister Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza spoke with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, condemning what he described as “brutal military aggression” against Iran and calling it a violation of international law, according to Press TV.