Trump threatens to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil hub

President Trump has reignited tensions with Iran by announcing the U.S. will seize Kharg Island and other key oil infrastructure in the near future. The declaration, made via social media on June 11, follows a period of conflict launched jointly by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

Kharg Island, located just 20 miles off Iran's northern Gulf coast, serves as the primary terminal for the nation's crude oil exports, historically processing between 85-95% of its output. The island's loading facilities are crucial for Iran's economy, with oil revenue, largely from sales to China, being a significant source of funding for the Islamic Republic. Disruption to these facilities could cripple Iran's ability to export oil and potentially send global oil prices, already up around 30% since the war began, even higher.

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America has the appetite for an operation to seize the Iranian island

The U.S. military had previously reported

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The president has linked the vulnerability of Kharg Island to Iran's continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz