WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to seize Iran's key oil export terminal at Kharg Island and assume control of the country's oil and gas markets, escalating tensions amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Trump made the statement in a post on Truth Social, saying the U.S. would take the island and other oil infrastructure points “at some point in the not too distant future.” He compared the potential move to U.S. actions in Venezuela.
“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf off Iran's southern coast, handles roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports, according to multiple reports.
In a separate Fox News interview on Thursday, Trump reiterated his preference for taking control of the island. “My preference has always been take Kharg Island,” he said.
The comments come as the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a months-long conflict that began earlier in 2026, involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, Iranian retaliation, and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A shaky ceasefire took effect in April, but hostilities have continued.
U.S. officials have previously considered options involving Kharg Island to pressure Iran over the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Trump has referenced the island on multiple occasions in recent months.
Iranian officials have warned against any such U.S. action, describing potential involvement as leading to an “endless quagmire,” according to reports.
The U.S. has conducted strikes on military targets on Kharg Island in the past, including in March and April, but has not targeted the main oil export infrastructure, officials have said.
Details on any immediate military plans related to the latest threat remain unclear. Trump also mentioned the possibility of striking Iran “very hard” on Thursday night but later indicated progress in talks.
The White House did not immediately provide further details on the threat. Markets reacted to the renewed rhetoric, with oil prices fluctuating amid concerns over potential disruptions to Iranian exports.
As of Thursday, no U.S. ground operations on Kharg Island have been reported. The island, which measures about 20 square kilometers, is a strategically sensitive target.
Trump administration officials have described seizing the island as a high-risk option that has been under consideration but not actively pursued in recent weeks, sources familiar with discussions told media outlets.
The latest developments come ahead of continued diplomatic efforts involving regional powers.
