Trump Weighs Seizing Iran’s Kharg Island as Conflict Escalates

Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Iran has accepted to "most of" the US's 15-point list of conditions to end the war. Last week, however, Tehran did not immediately accept the idea and expressed suspicion about Washington's position. He also claimed that there had been "regime change" in Iran.

Trump told the Financial Times that his "preference would be to take the oil," as he considers seizing Iran's vital fuel export hub at Kharg Island. He said, "Maybe we seize Kharg Island; maybe not. "We have a lot of options," he said, adding that US forces would most likely have to stay for an extended period.

The island, which handles 90% of Tehran's oil exports, has traditionally played an important role in Iran's economy. The US earlier bombed military installations on Kharg Island with attacks on March 13, with Central Command reporting 90 targets hit.

Trump further stated that Iran had supplied the United States with oil, intending to demonstrate their commitment. He mentioned shipments of "10 massive boatloads," which would be followed by "20 boatloads of oil."

This shows how bad and unpredictable things have gotten. When Donald Trump talks openly about taking over oil infrastructure like Kharg Island, it could mean that the US is going to do something much bigger than just limited strikes. That makes things more dangerous, not just for the military but also for the economy, since what happens next will have a big effect on the world's energy supply and prices.

Tehran's warning of a potential US ground invasion sent oil prices climbing and triggered a sell-off in Asian stock markets. While discussing discussions, Iran's parliament speaker accused the United States of "secretly planning a ground invasion".

Iran has threatened to "rain fire" on US troops if they undertake a ground assault, with Tehran's army "waiting" for them. The USS Tripoli, carrying 3,500 US service troops, has landed in the Middle East.

Iran's military spokesman warned that US and Israeli officials' residences had become "legitimate targets" and that Trump was pushing US forces into a "swamp of death."

According to reports, the Pentagon is seeking approval for ground operations, as thousands of US marines and special troops are deployed in the vicinity.

The US president is also considering launching a military operation to take approximately 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran. Officials warned such an operation, which might keep American forces inside the nation for days or longer, would be extraordinarily complex and risky.

Trump Signals Possible Seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island Oil Hub as Tensions Escalate

In a Financial Times interview, President Trump says his preference would be to take the oil and is considering seizing Kharg Island, Iran's key export hub handling 90% of its oil exports, amid ongoing US-Iran conflict.

The remarks come as oil prices rise, diplomatic efforts continue via Pakistan, and fears grow over potential ground operations, wider regional war, and disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.