US signals aggressive options against Tehran’s oil lifeline
Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could potentially seize Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, saying his “preference would be to take the oil” from the country.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump compared the possibility of taking control of Iranian oil assets with earlier US actions in Venezuela, where Washington sought influence over the oil sector following the capture of the country’s leader, Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
“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,” Trump said.
‘Iranian gift’: Trump claims tanker passage increased
Trump also claimed that Tehran had effectively offered a “present” to Washington by allowing more oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
According to the US president, the number of Pakistan-flagged oil tankers moving through the strait had doubled from 10 to 20, although this claim could not be independently verified.
“They gave us 10. Now they’re giving 20, and the 20 have already started, and they’re going right up the middle of the Strait,” he said.
Trump further suggested that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, had authorised the additional shipments.
“He’s the one who authorised the ships to me,” Trump said.
Kharg Island: Iran’s crucial oil export hub
Trump’s remarks have drawn global attention because Kharg Island plays a central role in Iran’s energy exports. The island handles around 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil shipments, making it the backbone of the country’s oil economy.
Located roughly 16 miles off Iran’s coast in the northern Gulf, the island serves as the primary loading terminal for large crude carriers transporting Iranian oil to global markets.
“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options… It would also mean we had to be there for a while,” Trump said.
Rising military presence and conflict risks
Trump’s remarks came as tensions in the region continued to escalate, raising fears of attacks on energy infrastructure and further disruption to global oil supplies.
Reports indicate that thousands of American troops are being deployed to the region as Washington prepares for the possibility of a prolonged confrontation with Tehran.
Security analysts have warned that any attempt to seize Kharg Island could be highly risky. Iran could retaliate by laying naval mines or targeting shipping lanes, potentially turning the Gulf into a major conflict zone.
Trump claims Iran lacks defences
When asked about potential risks, Trump insisted that US forces could easily take control of the island.
“I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily,” he said.
The US leader also claimed that indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran — facilitated by Pakistani intermediaries — were ongoing and showing progress.
Trump added that the United States still had thousands of potential targets remaining in Iran, suggesting that strikes could continue unless a deal is reached.
“We’ve got about 3,000 targets left… A deal could be made fairly quickly,” he said.
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