President Trump announced the U.S. will launch a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran and threatened to seize Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export terminal. The escalation comes as Washington aims to force greater Iranian flexibility in nuclear program talks.
The threat marks a significant uptick in rhetoric, with Trump vowing on Truth Social to hit Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT." He added that Washington would eventually take control of Kharg Island and other Iranian oil facilities "and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets," drawing a parallel to actions in Venezuela.
Kharg Island handles the vast majority of Iran's crude oil exports, making it a strategic chokepoint. Seizing it would effectively cut off a key revenue stream for Tehran, which has been under heavy sanctions. The island's infrastructure is vulnerable to both military and cyber attacks.
Analysts warn that such a move could spike global oil prices and trigger a broader regional conflict. Iran has previously threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to any assault on its oil assets, a scenario that would roil energy markets worldwide.
Critics argue the aggressive posture risks miscalculation and unintended escalation. Iran has not yet publicly responded to the latest threats, but its naval forces remain on high alert in the Persian Gulf.