Washington: US President Donald Trump has expressed a preference for seizing Iranian oil, specifically targeting Kharg Island, a significant export hub, as American forces increase their presence in the Middle East.
According to TRTworld.com, Trump stated in an interview that he would "prefer" to "take the oil" in Iran, likening the strategy to the US approach in Venezuela, where efforts are underway to control the oil sector "indefinitely." His remarks come amidst a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $116 per barrel due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
Trump remarked, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options," acknowledging that such an action would necessitate a prolonged military presence. He further commented on Iran's defenses, saying, "I don't think they have any defense. We could take it very easily."
In response to these developments, the Pentagon has deployed 10,000 troops trained for ground operations, with approximately 3,500 already in the region, including about 2,200 Marines. Additional forces are expected to arrive soon. Officials have cautioned that an assault on Kharg Island could heighten risks for American troops and extend the duration of the conflict.
Recent events have included an attack on a Saudi air base, injuring 12 US troops and damaging a $270 million surveillance aircraft, as well as a ballistic missile launch toward Israel by Yemen's Houthi forces. Despite the escalating tensions, Trump mentioned that indirect talks with Iran, facilitated by Pakistani "emissaries," were making progress, suggesting that "a deal could be made fairly quickly."
Trump also noted Iran's allowance of 20 Pakistan-flagged oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "They gave us 10. Now they're giving 20." The regional conflict has intensified since Israel and the US initiated an offensive against Iran on February 28, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries housing US military assets, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.