WASHINGTON/DUBAI — U.S. President Donald Trump threatened fresh military action against Iran on Thursday and suggested that the United States could eventually take control of Kharg Island, Tehran’s main oil export terminal, even as diplomatic efforts between the two countries continued behind the scenes.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States would strike Iran “very hard” and asserted that much of Iran’s military capability had already been weakened. He also declared that Washington would eventually take control of Kharg Island and other energy infrastructure, describing them as strategic assets that could fall under U.S. control in the future.
Kharg Island is Iran’s most important oil export hub and handles a significant portion of the country’s crude shipments to global markets. The facility is considered critical to Iran’s economy and plays a major role in international energy supplies.
Iran swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks. Iranian officials warned that any further military escalation by Washington would provoke a stronger response from Tehran, adding to concerns about a broader regional conflict.
The latest exchange followed renewed hostilities between U.S. and Iranian forces after a fragile ceasefire came under strain. The two sides traded strikes for a second consecutive day, raising fears that the conflict could widen across the Middle East.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, diplomatic contacts continued. Iranian sources and Western officials said indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a preliminary peace agreement had intensified in recent days. Discussions have reportedly included regional security issues, sanctions relief, and the status of frozen Iranian assets.
Later on Thursday, Trump announced that planned U.S. strikes against Iran had been canceled following what he described as progress in negotiations involving Iran and several regional countries. He said discussions toward a broader agreement remained active, although Iranian officials had not publicly confirmed that a final deal had been reached.
The conflict, now stretching beyond three months, has resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, while also disrupting global energy markets and heightening concerns over oil supplies. Tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, have further fueled uncertainty among governments and investors.
Military analysts have noted that any attempt to seize Kharg Island would likely require a major military operation and could expose U.S. forces to missile and drone attacks. Experts also caution that controlling the island would not necessarily end the conflict, given Iran’s broader military capabilities and regional alliances.
As negotiations continue, world leaders are closely monitoring developments amid concerns that further escalation could affect regional stability, international shipping, and global energy prices.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
