Trump floats seizing Iran's Kharg Island to control oil exports

Washington: US President Donald Trump has suggested seizing Iran's Kharg Island, the key hub for over 90% of its oil exports, as a way to "take the oil in Iran."

In a Financial Times interview, Trump called it his "favourite thing," drawing parallels to US plans for indefinite control of Venezuela's oil sector following the January ouster of President Nicolas Maduro. " Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options. It would also mean we had to be there for a while," he said, claiming the island has "little or no defence" and could be taken "very easily." He acknowledged it would require a prolonged US presence.

The remarks coincide with escalating US military moves in the Middle East, including Pentagon plans for up to 10,000 additional troops. US Central Command confirmed over 3,500 personnel, including 2,500 Marines, have arrived. Trump is also pushing for Iran to surrender nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium as a war-ending condition, per US officials and The Wall Street Journal.

Yet Trump hinted at diplomatic openings, noting progress in indirect talks via Pakistani intermediaries. "A deal could be made fairly quickly," he said.

The threats follow US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, driving Brent crude to $119.5 a barrel in March—the highest since June 2022.

(Inputs from IANS)