WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to seize Iranian oil and take control of Kharg Island, the country’s largest oil-export hub, raising the stakes in an already tense standoff with Tehran.
Trump made the threat in an interview with the Financial Times.
Speaking separately to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States believed it had succeeded in changing the government in Iran.
In an interview with Fox News last week, Trump said, “You can say there has been a regime change, because they (the previous leaders) have been killed.”
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister said the kingdom had intercepted five ballistic missiles heading toward its eastern region, though no details were given on damage.
Pope Leo XIV, speaking at the Vatican on Palm Sunday, criticized leaders involved in the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
“Those who start wars and have blood on their hands, their prayers are not accepted by God,” the pope said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to expand the “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
‘Regime change in Iran’
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said the United States believed it had brought about regime change in Iran.
He had told Fox News earlier last week, “You can say the government has changed because they have been killed.”
Trump said on Air Force One that the government had changed because the previous one had been almost completely destroyed and its leaders killed. Many of the new leaders who had emerged had also been killed, he said.
“Now an entirely different group of people is handling the situation. I consider that a regime change. To tell the truth, they have behaved fairly reasonably. So I think we have already changed the regime. What more can be done than this?” he said.
Trump said, “That government was very bad and it is finished. The second tier is almost gone too. They are all dead. Maybe one is still alive.”
He said Iran would likely reach a deal with the United States.
“I think we will make a deal with them, but maybe not. Nothing is certain with Iran. We have talks with them, and then we have to strike again,” Trump said.
‘U.S. could take Iran’s oil and Kharg Island’
Trump told the Financial Times he could seize Iran’s oil if he wanted to, and could also take Kharg Island, the country’s largest oil terminal.
“To tell the truth, I want to take Iran’s oil. But some people in the United States say, why are you doing this. They are foolish,” Trump said.
He also hinted at the possibility of seizing Kharg Island. “Maybe we will take Kharg Island, maybe we won’t. We have many options. But if we take it, we will have to stay there for some time. I don’t think they have much defense. We could take it very easily,” he said.
Amid rising tensions, an additional 3,500 U.S. troops have arrived in the Middle East as worries grow that the situation could worsen and lead to attacks on U.S. forces.
Trump also said indirect talks between the United States and Iran through Pakistan were progressing well, but did not say whether a quick ceasefire was likely.
“A deal could come soon,” he said.
‘Why the focus on Kharg Island’
The United States is focused on Kharg Island because it is Iran’s largest oil terminal and the lifeline of the country’s economy.
Seizing the island would not only halt Iran’s oil exports but also provide a launching point for strikes on the Iranian mainland.
Separately, an Indian worker was killed in an Iranian attack in Kuwait, where electricity and water supplies were also damaged.
Iran had struck an electricity and water treatment plant.
A statement from Kuwait’s electricity and water ministry said the strike caused “significant damage” at the facility and that technical teams were working “to keep essential services running.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report