Trump says US could ‘take the oil’ in Iran, hints at seizing Kharg Island

President Donald Trump says he wants to “take the oil” in Iran, suggests seizing Kharg Island easily, as Tehran accuses US of plotting ground assault despite talks ongoing.

WEBDESK – MediaBites News

US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh global concern after saying he would prefer to “take the oil” in Iran and suggested American forces could seize the strategic Kharg Island “very easily,” according to an interview with the Financial Times.

Trump acknowledged domestic criticism of such an approach, remarking that “some stupid people back in the US” question the idea, but maintained that multiple military options remain under consideration, including a possible takeover of Iran’s key oil export hub.

Kharg Island is a critical node in Iran’s energy infrastructure, handling the vast majority of the country’s crude exports, making any move to control it a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The remarks come as tensions intensify in the Middle East, with thousands of US troops deployed to the region and military planners reportedly weighing limited ground operations, including potential raids on coastal sites.

Iran has strongly reacted, accusing Washington of duplicity—publicly signaling openness to negotiations while secretly preparing for a ground assault. Iranian officials warned that such actions would further destabilize the region and provoke retaliation.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict—now involving regional actors and disrupting key shipping routes—has already sent global oil prices surging, with markets reacting sharply to Trump’s comments and fears of supply disruptions.

Military analysts caution that seizing Kharg Island, despite its strategic value, would carry significant risks, including missile, drone, and naval mine threats, and could deepen US involvement in a prolonged and volatile conflict.

Trump, however, has not ruled out any course of action, stating: “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s next move.