President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Thursday, threatening to seize Kharg Island and assume total control of the country’s oil industry. Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary oil export terminal and handles a substantial share of the nation’s petroleum shipments.
Trump’s remarks represented one of the most expansive threats he has directed at Iranian economic infrastructure since the conflict began. Control of Iran’s oil sector would require a sustained military occupation of key facilities.
The president did not outline a specific timeline or military plan for such an operation. Iranian officials have previously warned that attacks on oil infrastructure would draw severe retaliation.
The threat came as U.S. forces continued strikes on Iranian targets and as global oil markets reacted to instability in the Gulf. Any disruption to Kharg Island’s operations would have immediate consequences for international energy supplies.
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Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2026/06/10/nx-s1-5853882/us-strike-iran-second-day-renewed-fire