Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to seize Iran's oil resources, specifically targeting Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub. This development follows his claims of ongoing negotiations with Iran, despite Iran's consistent denials of such talks.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump, in an interview with the Financial Times, addressed the potential seizure of Kharg Island. He mentioned the possibility of a temporary occupation as a means to control Iran's oil supply, likening it to the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela. In that instance, the U.S. gained control of Venezuela's oil industry following the arrest of President Nicol¡s Maduro. Reports indicate a significant deployment of U.S. troops, including Marines and paratroopers, to the Middle East over the past week.
President Trump has provided conflicting accounts regarding the U.S.'s diplomatic stance with Iran, asserting that indirect negotiations, facilitated by Pakistan, are ongoing. He claimed Iran's economic struggles have led them to allow 20 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, interpreting this as a gesture of respect.
In discussing military options, President Trump noted the U.S. military's capacity for significant actions, akin to a regime change. Analysts warn that any U.S. ground troop deployment could provoke Iranian military retaliation, possibly targeting energy facilities and desalination plants in the Persian Gulf.
Iran's response has been defiant, with Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Galibaf accusing the U.S. of feigning interest in negotiations and preparing for a ground assault. Iranian forces have expressed readiness to confront U.S. forces and their regional allies.
Complicating the situation, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched an attack on Israel over the weekend, threatening the vital maritime route in the Red Sea, which handles about 12% of global oil transport. This development has raised concerns that Saudi Arabia might enter the conflict to counter the Houthi threat.
Pakistan, identified by President Trump as a mediator, recently hosted a four-way meeting with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishakdar announced plans to facilitate U.S.-Iran talks and acknowledged the trust placed in Pakistan by both nations. Last week, the U.S. proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran through Pakistan, which was subsequently rejected by Iran, who presented their own conditions.