The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Thursday that American forces will attack Iran with great force this evening and that Washington intends to take control of Kharg Island and other points of Iran’s oil infrastructure.
Trump wrote on the Truth Social network that, in the near future, the US will seize the strategic island through which most of Iran’s oil exports pass and will completely control the country’s oil and gas markets, repeating what it did in Venezuela after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The declaration comes amid a new wave of hostilities. The US has confirmed attacks on Iranian targets for two days in a row, including radars, anti-aircraft defenses and control centers near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with actions against American positions in the region.
Attacks on civilian oil tankers spark international protests
Tensions rose with the American attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker Jalveer, accused of trying to break the blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. Three Indian sailors have died in similar incidents in recent days, including the cargo ship Settebello.
India summoned American representatives to a formal protest and called the deaths an irreparable loss. The action affected workers from a country outside the direct conflict, which increased the negative repercussions.
Context of Trump’s strategy with Venezuela
When citing Venezuela as a successful example, Trump refers to American influence in the oil sector after the change of power in January. In the Venezuelan case, there was not just military action: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez acted as interlocutor, accepting conditions imposed by Washington to maintain stability.
Analysts note that a similar operation in Iran would be more complex. Kharg Island is a vital hub, but a physical takeover would involve heightened risks of American casualties and would require resources that the U.S. would have in limited stockpiles of long-range weapons.
Hesitation and pressure for negotiation
In an interview with Fox News, Trump demonstrated a more cautious tone, saying that the scenario is “crazy” and that he prefers to avoid civil infrastructure so as not to make the people suffer. He reiterated his preference for Kharg Island, but questioned whether the Americans had the “stomach” for the operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the approach as a strong negotiating tactic. Military commanders avoid detailing future plans, but the message is clear: maximum pressure to force agreement.
Impact on the region and global market
The escalation threatens any progress on a ceasefire. Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz blocked until further notice, which could affect the global flow of oil. China, Russia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan called for restraint and resumption of dialogue.
Closing or restricting the strait would have an immediate effect on oil prices, already pressured by instability. Kharg Island concentrates around 90% of Iranian exports, making it a central part of any economic strangulation strategy.
