Washington (TDI): United States President Donald Trump has suggested that the US could, in the future, take control of key Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, as part of a broader strategy targeting Iran’s energy sector.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that “at some point in the not too distant future” the United States would consider “taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points,” and assuming “total control” of Iran’s oil and gas markets.
He also compared the situation with Venezuela, claiming that US involvement there had been “working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” although he did not provide further details. In the same remarks, he warned that the US would be “hitting Iran … VERY HARD TONIGHT.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest that diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran remain active despite the escalating military situation. CNN, citing a diplomatic source, reported that talks aimed at reaching a potential agreement are still on track even after overnight exchanges of strikes.
Read More: Diplomatic Efforts Underway As US-Iran Conflict Escalates With Strikes
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out strikes on multiple Iranian military targets from late Wednesday into early Thursday, describing the operations as “self-defense” following the downing of a US helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the strikes were conducted against sites linked to Iranian military activity.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the latest US actions, saying they have effectively rendered the April 8 ceasefire “meaningless.” In a statement, it described the strikes as a “blatant violation” of the UN Charter and international law, and accused Washington of escalating tensions in the region.
The ministry also criticized the use of regional territory and facilities by US forces for military operations, saying such actions implicate those countries in the conflict. It called on regional states to prevent their land, resources, and infrastructure from being used for attacks against Iran.
Read More: Iran Says US Strikes Render Ceasefire ‘Practically Meaningless’
Reaffirming Iran’s position, the ministry said Tehran would respond under its “inherent right to self-defense” and would act to counter what it described as ongoing US military aggression. It also urged UN member states and the UN Security Council to take a clear stance against violations of international law.
