US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will hit Iran “very hard tonight” and escalated the confrontation further by suggesting possible seizure of Iran’s key oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington could “assume total control” of Iran’s oil and gas markets and specifically threatened Kharg Island, the country’s main crude export terminal, which handles a significant share of Iran’s oil shipments.
The remarks come amid rapidly escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, with both sides exchanging missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region, including reported attacks on US-linked bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Kharg Island is widely regarded as Iran’s most critical oil export facility, serving as the main offshore terminal for crude shipments. Any disruption to its operations is considered likely to have immediate global consequences for energy markets.
Following Trump’s comments, Brent crude prices surged sharply, reflecting heightened fears of supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
The escalation follows a series of strikes and counter-strikes in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman, including US operations targeting vessels accused of violating restrictions linked to Iranian oil movement.
Reports indicate that US Central Command carried out strikes on multiple ships, including the Settebello, Jalveer and Marivex, in operations aimed at enforcing a maritime blockade strategy.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US-linked positions across the region, further deepening fears that the confrontation is moving toward a broader regional conflict.
Iranian officials have condemned the US strikes, saying they have rendered existing ceasefire arrangements “practically meaningless.”
Rising civilian and diplomatic concerns
The conflict has already resulted in civilian casualties, including reports of injuries in Bahrain and the deaths of three Indian sailors during a maritime strike near Oman, according to Indian authorities.
Countries including Pakistan, China, Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have called for immediate de-escalation, warning that continued hostilities could destabilise global trade and energy supply chains.
Analysts say the US posture appears to be shifting toward sustained pressure through repeated targeted strikes, combined with economic leverage over Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Trump’s latest comments about taking control of oil and gas markets have significantly raised the stakes, signalling a willingness to target strategic economic assets beyond purely military objectives.
Oil markets reacted immediately to the escalation, with prices rising sharply within minutes of Trump’s remarks. Traders say the combination of military strikes, maritime disruption and threats to key export infrastructure has created one of the most volatile energy environments in recent months.
With both sides continuing strikes and no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight, fears are growing that the conflict could widen further across the Gulf region.
For now, attention remains fixed on whether the threatened US strikes materialise “tonight,” and whether Kharg Island—at the centre of Iran’s oil economy—becomes the next flashpoint in an already escalating war.