WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the United States could target Iran’s oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and a deal is not reached soon, escalating tensions in a conflict now entering its fifth week.
The warning comes amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil corridor, raising concerns for energy markets and international shipping as hostilities involving Iran continue.
Threat linked to stalled negotiations
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the U.S. was in discussions aimed at ending military operations but indicated that failure to reach an agreement could lead to expanded strikes on Iran’s energy facilities.
He specifically referenced electric generating plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island, a central hub in Iran’s oil export network.
Strategic importance of Kharg Island
Kharg Island plays a critical role in Iran’s energy sector, with an estimated 90 percent of the country’s crude exports passing through the facility. It has a reported loading capacity of around 7 million barrels per day.
Any disruption or damage to the site could significantly impact Iran’s oil exports and broader global supply chains.
Shipping disruption and rising tensions
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply since late February, following military strikes involving U.S. and Israeli forces and retaliatory actions by Iran.
Several incidents involving commercial vessels have been reported, contributing to uncertainty in one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Iran has not issued an immediate response to Trump’s latest remarks. Earlier statements from its foreign ministry described U.S. proposals as excessive, while denying direct negotiations.
Oil markets react to uncertainty
Global oil prices have moved higher amid the escalating situation, with Brent crude on track for a significant monthly increase.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supply, and continued disruption is likely to influence prices and trade flows in the coming weeks.
Also read: Trump urges allies to help secure Strait of Hormuz, warns NATO faces ‘very bad’ future
Trump had earlier announced a temporary pause in attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, setting a timeline that extends into early April.
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