Trump: I prefer “seizing Iranian oil” and taking control of Kharg Island is easy
Trump: Taking control of Kharg Island is “easy”.. We struck 13,000 Iranian targets and still have 3,000 ahead
U.S. President Donald Trump said he prefers “seizing Iranian oil,” indicating that his country is considering the option of taking control of Kharg Island, the main hub for Iranian oil exports.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump added that such a step might require U.S. forces to remain on the island for a period, considering Iranian defenses there “limited” and that it could be seized “very easily.”
Despite his escalatory rhetoric, Trump confirmed that indirect talks between the United States and Iran through Pakistani envoys are progressing well. Trump set a deadline of April 6 for Iran to accept a deal to end the war or face U.S. strikes on its energy sector.
Trump revealed that Iran has allowed 20 oil tankers flying the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the step as a “gift,” after 10 tankers last week. He said the shipments have already begun and are “in the middle of the strait.”
When asked about the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil typically passes, Trump declined to provide specific details, insisting that an agreement could be reached “very quickly.” He noted that the U.S. military has struck 13,000 targets and still has about 3,000 targets remaining, with an additional 2,000 targets on the way.
