The US President Donald Trump has hinted that the American forces might seize the Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, as he expressed interest in Iranian oil. In a conversation with the Financial Times, Trump called seizing control of Iran’s oil as a preferred option. This comes as the American military is expanding its presence in the region for ground operations amidst a raging war.
“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. Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” the US President said.
Earlier this month, Trump had said that more strikes on Kharg Island are possible, saying the site has already been damaged but may still be targeted again “just for fun”.
Kharg Island lies about 30 kilometres off Iran’s southern coast and handles nearly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports. The island is located close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important sea routes through which around one-fifth of global oil supply moves. Any long disruption in this region could push energy prices higher and affect supply chains worldwide.
