Trump floats US takeover of Iran’s Kharg Island amid rising tensions

Donald Trump has floated the possibility of US forces taking control of Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, suggesting Washington has multiple options on the table.

In an interview with Financial Times, Trump said the US could seize the island if it chose to, adding that such a move might require a prolonged presence. He claimed the island lacked strong defences and could be captured with ease.

The remarks come amid rising tensions, with the US having already carried out airstrikes targeting military sites on Kharg Island. Iran, in response, has warned of retaliatory action, including potential ground operations in Gulf countries and mining of the Persian Gulf if American troops enter its territory.

Military experts caution that any attempt to capture and hold the island would be complex, requiring forces to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and maintain control within range of Iranian missiles, drones and artillery from the mainland.

Trump also claimed that Iran had allowed several oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gesture of respect,” while expressing cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations, though he remained sceptical of Tehran’s intentions.

Meanwhile, senior Iranian leaders have dismissed diplomatic efforts as a cover for increased US military deployment in the region, warning of severe consequences if American forces are stationed on the ground.