Arabic version: ترامب يقترح الاستيلاء على النفط الإيراني تصعيد عسكري

United States President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to seize Iranian oil by targeting Kharg Island, a critical export hub. In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump stated that his plans for Iran differ significantly from those regarding Venezuela, where the U.S. aims to control the oil industry indefinitely following the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

According to Al Jazeera, Trump referred to U.S. objectors as “stupid people” for opposing his plans. He mentioned that while the U.S. could take Kharg Island, it would require a sustained military presence there.

The Trump administration has already deployed U.S. Marines to the Middle East as the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran continues. Recent reports indicate that approximately 3,500 additional soldiers have been sent to the region, highlighting the seriousness of the military escalation.

Iranian officials have responded to Trump’s statements with threats of retaliation. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, warned that any U.S. invasion would lead to targeted attacks on the infrastructure of regional allies supporting the operation. Ghalibaf declared that Iranian forces are prepared to confront American troops directly.

As diplomatic efforts continue in Islamabad among regional powers like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, oil prices have surged, reflecting the growing instability in the region. The Iranian Ministry of Health has reported significant casualties since the beginning of hostilities, further complicating the situation. Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, albeit with skepticism about their outcomes.