U.S. President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest threats yet against Iran, saying the United States could take control of Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil export hub, while warning Tehran that it would be hit “very hard” as fighting threatens to collapse ceasefire negotiations.
The statement came after two days of renewed US-Iran strikes in the Gulf region, raising fears that a fragile ceasefire could unravel into a wider conflict. Reuters reported that Trump said Washington wanted control of Iran’s key energy infrastructure, while AP described the threat as a major escalation because Kharg Island is central to Iran’s oil exports.
Kharg Island is not just another military target. It is Iran’s main oil terminal in the Persian Gulf and reportedly handles around 90% of the country’s oil exports. Any US attempt to seize or disable the island could shake global oil markets and dramatically widen the war.
Trump’s warning also comes as indirect ceasefire talks remain under pressure. Reports say negotiators are still discussing issues including frozen Iranian funds and sanctions relief, but the latest strikes have made diplomacy far more fragile.
Military analysts warn that taking Kharg Island would likely require a major ground or amphibious operation, creating serious risks for US forces and increasing the chance of Iranian missile and drone retaliation across the region.