Trump Says US Could Seize Iran’s Oil, Hints At Targeting Kharg Island Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

The article examines a potential US plan to seize Iran oil, centring on Kharg Island, and the implications for oil prices, global markets, and regional security amid the widening US-Israel-Iran conflict.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington could seize Iran’s oil, including Kharg Island, as the US expands its military presence in the Middle East. In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump linked possible control of Iranian oil to the wider US-Israel war with Iran, which has already pushed Brent crude above $116 per barrel in Asian trading.

Trump compared his idea for Iran to Venezuela, where he said the US plans to hold the oil sector “indefinitely” after removing Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. His comments come as the conflict continues to unsettle global energy markets and heighten concern in India and other major oil-importing nations about supply security and rising prices.

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Trump’s stated preference to 'take the oil'

During the Financial Times interview, Trump said: "To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: 'why are you doing that?' But they're stupid people." Trump indicated that Kharg Island, Iran’s main export terminal, would be central to any attempt to seize oil resources.

Trump outlined that any such plan would likely focus on capturing Kharg Island, through which most of Iran’s crude exports pass. However, Trump also accepted that taking control of the island would not be a short operation. "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options," Trump told the FT.

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Military build-up and Kharg Island risks

The Pentagon has already ordered additional US forces into the region as the confrontation with Iran deepens. Around 10,000 personnel trained for ground operations are being deployed, with a mission that includes seizing and holding territory. Roughly 3,500 troops arrived on Friday, including about 2,200 Marines, while another 2,200 Marines and thousands from the 82nd Airborne Division are still en route.

Targeting Kharg Island would carry serious military and political risks. Analysts warn that an assault on Iran’s export hub could increase US casualties, lengthen the war and raise costs. When asked about Iran’s ability to defend the island, Trump dismissed concerns, saying: "I don't think they have any defence. We could take it very easily."

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Conflict spread, Saudi base attack and missile launches

The conflict has widened beyond direct US-Iran exchanges in recent days. An attack on a Saudi air base on Friday injured 12 American personnel and damaged a US E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft valued at $270 million. At the same time, Houthi forces in Yemen fired a ballistic missile towards Israel, triggering fears of a broader regional war and deeper strain on oil supplies.

These developments come as Israel’s conflict with Iran-linked groups continues and the US-Israel-Iran war reaches day 30. Iran has threatened to hit US universities, while Kuwait has responded to missile and drone incidents linked to the fighting. Observers say the widening battlefield across West Asia is pushing global energy markets into a new, uncertain phase.

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Oil prices and tanker movements in the Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices have reflected the rising tension. Brent crude moved above $116 per barrel in Asian trading on Monday, nearing its highest point since the latest phase of the conflict began. Traders are closely watching any sign of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global crude flows that remains under intense military and diplomatic pressure.

Trump claimed Iran had recently allowed more Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture to Washington. According to Trump, "They gave us 10," tankers initially. "Now they're giving 20 and the 20 have already started and they're going right up the middle of the Strait." The assertion has not been independently confirmed.

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Negotiations, deadlines and claims of 'present'

Despite his comments about seizing Iranian oil, Trump said indirect talks with Tehran, conducted through Pakistani intermediaries, were making headway. Trump has set 6 April as a deadline for Iran to accept terms that would halt the conflict. If no agreement is reached, Trump warned that further US strikes would target Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Discussing potential arrangements that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease shipping, Trump declined to share detailed plans for a ceasefire. He instead highlighted the scale of the air campaign so far. "We've got about 3,000 targets left- we've bombed 13,000 targets - and another couple of thousand targets to go," Trump said. "A deal could be made fairly quickly."

Trump also said that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had played a role in authorising the extra Pakistan-flagged tanker shipments. "He's the one who authorised the ships to me," Trump stated. Trump added: "Remember I said they're giving me a present? And everyone said: 'What's the present? Bullshit.' When they heard about that they kept their mouth shut and the negotiations are going very well."

US-Iran war and Iran oil: Leadership changes and claims of 'regime change'

Trump argued that Iran had effectively experienced "regime change" after early strikes killed longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. According to Trump, "The people we're dealing with are a totally different group of people...they are very professional." Trump suggested the new leadership in Tehran was more pragmatic in negotiations.

Trump repeated previous claims about Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader and son of Ali Khamenei. "The son is either dead or in extremely bad shape," Trump said. "We've not heard from him at all. He's gone." Iranian authorities, however, insist the leadership structure remains in place and say the Supreme Leader is safe, despite continued absence from public view fuelling speculation.

As the US-Israel-Iran war enters another week, Trump’s remarks on taking Iran’s oil, targeting Kharg Island and pressing indirect talks highlight the mix of military pressure and negotiation. With oil prices elevated, tanker routes under scrutiny and questions over Iran’s leadership unresolved, governments and markets in India and worldwide remain focused on developments across West Asia.