Trump proposes taking control of Irans oil resources

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would like to “take the oil” from Iran, with the option to seize control of the country’s oil export hub at Kharg Island. The statement was made during a recent interview with the Financial Times.

Kharg Island is a 22-square-kilometre coral outcrop in Iran’s Bushehr province, which processes approximately 90% of Iran’s total oil exports. The island handles around 1.5 million barrels of oil every day.

Trump has also announced that the US Air Force bombed Iranian military facilities on the island on March 14. He stated that he had chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island, but would reconsider this decision if Iran or anyone else interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Trump administration has unveiled no clear goal behind its military campaign against Iran, which is one of the world’s biggest oil producers. The country holds significant oil reserves, including 24% of the Middle East’s and 12% of the world’s proven oil reserves.

Iran’s energy infrastructure, including oil wells, has been targeted by the US in recent days. Trump has warned that any attempt to interfere with the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a reconsideration of his decision not to destroy the oil infrastructure on Kharg Island.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for limited ground operations in Iran, potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Al Jazeera