Donald Trump has threatened to take full control of Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, citing the example of Venezuela as a model of success. The statement came in a publication in Truth Social this Thursday (11), as the United States carries out new attacks against Iranian targets.
The American president indicated that the action will take place “in the not too distant future”, with a focus on Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude oil export terminal. The site accounts for up to 95% of the country’s foreign sales and connects oil pipelines from fields in southwestern Iran to storage tanks.
Trump said he intends to seize the island and other strategic points to control Iranian oil and gas markets, repeating the approach applied in Venezuela. According to him, the model “is working brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States.”
Context of the military escalation
The statements come amid a new wave of attacks. Trump announced that American forces will hit Iran “very hard” later tonight, claiming that the Iranian Navy, Air Force, radars and anti-aircraft defenses have already been largely destroyed.
The day before, the US carried out bombings against targets in Sirik, Qeshm and possibly Bandar Abbas. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, including oil tankers, and reported attacks on “rogue” ships attempting to pass through the region.
What does Kharg Island mean?
The small island of around 20 km² gained strategic importance during the Iranian oil boom in the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the deep waters that allow access for supertankers — something rare on the country’s shallow coastline. It was already the target of American actions in March to pressure Iran to release the strait.
Iran maintained exports of 1.1 million to 1.5 million barrels a day even after fighting began, while other Gulf producers reduced shipments over fears of attacks. The oil sector represents the main pillar of the Iranian economy.
Comparison with Venezuela
The reference to Venezuela refers to the American military operation in early 2026, which led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro. Trump has repeated that the US has extracted tens of millions of barrels of oil from the South American country, using the revenue to cover operating costs and rebuild infrastructure with American companies.
Experts point out that, unlike Venezuela — whose facilities were degraded —, Iran has a better preserved infrastructure, which could accelerate gains if control were implemented. However, the risk of retaliation and regional instability is significantly greater in the Persian Gulf.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes, is already raising global concerns about supply and prices. Iran condemned the attacks as “illegal aggression” and said they derail ceasefire efforts.
