President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to launch another wave of military strikes against Iran, while also declaring that the United States intends to seize Kharg Island, Tehran’s primary crude oil export terminal, in what would represent one of the most dramatic escalations of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said U.S. forces would strike Iran “very hard” later Thursday and suggested Washington would eventually take control of Iran’s most valuable oil infrastructure.
“The United States will be hitting Iran … VERY HARD TONIGHT,” Trump wrote. He also claimed that, “At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela.”
The comments marked another sharp increase in U.S. rhetoric after days of renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran, despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
Trump did not explain how the United States would carry out such an operation or whether the remarks reflected an official military plan. Military analysts have noted that capturing and holding Kharg Island would almost certainly require a substantial ground operation involving U.S. troops, in addition to naval and air support.
Kharg Island occupies a pivotal position in Iran’s energy industry. Located in the Persian Gulf northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, the island has long served as the country’s principal crude oil export terminal and remains one of Tehran’s most strategically important economic assets.
Before the current conflict erupted, the island handled the overwhelming majority of Iran’s crude exports, making it a critical source of government revenue. Any military operation targeting or occupying the facility would likely have significant consequences for global oil supplies and energy prices.
Trump has previously floated the possibility of taking control of Kharg Island during the war that began on Feb. 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated military operations against Iran. While previous American attacks reportedly focused on military facilities around the island, Trump’s latest remarks went further by openly discussing taking control of the territory itself.
The U.S. president again compared his proposal to what he described as Washington’s successful control over Venezuela’s oil sector following political changes there earlier this year. The comparison underscored Trump’s broader argument that controlling energy infrastructure could weaken adversaries while strengthening U.S. influence over global energy markets.
The White House has not released additional details clarifying whether Trump’s statements represent an imminent military strategy or were intended primarily as pressure on Tehran during ongoing negotiations.
The latest remarks came as hostilities between the United States and Iran continued for a second consecutive day, raising fresh concerns that the conflict could expand further across the region. Diplomatic efforts to reach a broader peace agreement remain underway, but key disputes—including Iran’s nuclear program, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and regional military activity—remain unresolved.
Any attempt to occupy Kharg Island would likely carry substantial military and political risks. Defense experts have warned that although U.S. forces possess overwhelming naval and air superiority, maintaining control of the island could expose American troops to sustained missile, drone and naval attacks from Iran while further prolonging the conflict.
Energy markets are closely monitoring developments because Kharg Island remains one of the most strategically significant oil export facilities in the Persian Gulf. Further escalation involving the terminal could disrupt regional energy flows and increase volatility in global crude prices, particularly if military operations spread toward the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes for oil shipments.
