WASHINGTON DC: Former US President Donald Trump has said he is considering seizing Iran’s key oil hub, Kharg Island, as tensions in the region escalate and global oil prices climb sharply.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump stated that the United States could “take the oil in Iran,” indicating a potential move targeting the strategically important island, a major export terminal for Iranian crude.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, oil prices jumped to over $115 per barrel as Asian markets opened, reflecting growing concerns over supply disruptions, BBC reported.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned it may expand retaliatory strikes, including potential attacks on universities and the residences of US and Israeli officials. Authorities in Tehran reported that a university in the central city of Isfahan was targeted for the second time over the weekend.
Power has been restored in most parts of Tehran after recent strikes damaged energy infrastructure, according to Iranian officials. On the other side, Israel said a fire triggered by an Iranian attack at an industrial site in its southern region has been brought under control.
Diplomatic efforts may be underway, with Pakistan indicating plans to host peace talks in the coming days, though it remains unclear whether Iran or the United States will participate.
Earlier, Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that Iranian forces are “waiting” for US ground troops, vowing a strong response following Washington’s deployment of 3,500 troops to the region along with the USS Tripoli warship.
(Inputs from BBC)
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