Donald Trump told the Financial Times that the U.S. could “take the oil in Iran” and possibly seize the country’s major fuel hub, Kharg Island.
“To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” Trump said.
He suggested the move might involve seizing Kharg Island. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” he added. “It would also mean we had to be there for a while.”
When asked about Iranian defenses, Trump said, “I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily.”
The comments come as an additional 3,500 U.S. troops have arrived in the Middle East amid growing concerns over potential Iranian attacks on American forces.
Trump also mentioned ongoing indirect talks with Iran via Pakistan emissaries but did not confirm if a ceasefire deal is near. “A deal could be made fairly quickly,” he said.
These remarks have raised questions about U.S. policy in the region and the potential for further escalation in tensions with Iran.
