Donald Trump: We Will Seize Khark Island If Necessary

Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against the Islamic Republic, warning that if Tehran does not enter negotiations, the United States will launch more extensive attacks against Iran’s critical infrastructure. The U.S. President did not rule out the possibility of seizing Khark Island, Iran’s most important oil export terminal, and emphasized that military pressure will continue until the Islamic Republic capitulates.

The U.S. President once again, in unprecedented language, threatened the Islamic Republic with expanded military operations. Donald Trump stated last Tuesday evening, July 14, corresponding to June 23 on the Persian calendar, in a conversation that if Tehran refuses to accept a deal, Iran’s critical infrastructure including power plants and bridges could be added to the list of targets for American attacks.

Trump also raised the possibility of seizing Khark Island, Iran’s most important oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, during this discussion. He said he currently has no plans to deploy American ground forces, but has not ruled out this option. The U.S. President stated: “If we weaken Iran sufficiently, I will do it.” He added that “sometimes ground operations are necessary, but other people will do this work for us.” Trump did not provide further clarification about whom he meant by “other people,” but these remarks have increased speculation about the possibility of using U.S. allied forces in the region.

Trump subsequently claimed that the United States has twice targeted Khark Island and warned that if the Islamic Republic continues to refuse negotiations, the scope of military attacks will expand. Addressing the leaders of the Islamic Republic, he said: “You better agree, or there will be nothing left of you.”

The U.S. President also once again accused the Islamic Republic of seeking to obtain nuclear weapons, saying: “Everything they say is a lie. They wanted to get nuclear weapons.” These statements come as Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the main sources of tension between Tehran and the West.

In another part of his remarks, Trump referred to an area called “Kolang Gazala” mountain near the Natanz nuclear facility, an area that according to published reports has been the site where the Islamic Republic has been constructing a series of deep tunnels for several years. He said the United States has this area completely under surveillance and will take any necessary action immediately if any movement is detected.

The U.S. President also emphasized regarding the Strait of Hormuz that this maritime route must remain open to all countries, but the Islamic Republic will not be allowed to use it as a leverage tool. According to him, Washington is reducing dependence on this strategic waterway by developing alternative pipelines and energy resources.

Trump’s remarks indicate that the White House, should diplomatic efforts fail, will not only continue military pressure on the Islamic Republic but will also expand it to Iran’s economic and energy infrastructure. The public mention of the possibility of seizing Khark Island also suggests that Washington’s threats have moved beyond the stage of political warnings and now operational scenarios are being openly presented, a matter that could bring tensions in the Persian Gulf to an unprecedented level.