POLITICS

Trump Suggests U.S. Could Seize Iran's Kharg Island

PUBLISHED Mar 29, 2026, 11:28 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 9%

Center 82%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump told the Financial Times on March 29 that he favours 'taking the oil in Iran' and said U.S. forces could seize Kharg Island, Iran's principal oil export hub, adding he believed Iranian defences there to be minimal. The remarks this week coincided with reports of a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and media warnings that an operation on Kharg Island could cause casualties, disrupt global oil exports, and prolong regional conflict; outlets cited figures showing Kharg handles the vast majority of Iran's crude exports.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

29 March 2025: Financial Times publishes Trump interview mentioning taking Iranian oil and Kharg Island.
29–30 March 2025: Xinhua, ETV Bharat, TimesNow, Free Malaysia Today, Malay Mail, and SocialNews.XYZ publish reports quoting the interview.
Late March 2025: Multiple outlets report Kharg Island handles the majority of Iran's crude exports (figures cited between ~90% and 98%).
Late March 2025: Media report an increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East and that U.S. officials are weighing operational options.
Late March 2025: Analysts and outlets warn that seizing Kharg Island could cause casualties, disrupt energy markets, and escalate regional tensions.

News Intelligence

If the U.S. seizes Kharg Island, it could disrupt global oil exports. This could lead to higher gas prices at home. Check your budget and consider ways to conserve fuel.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

If U.S. forces seized Kharg Island, U.S. military planners and allied energy firms could gain operational control over a primary Iranian export terminal, increasing leverage over hydrocarbon flows and geopolitical bargaining power at the expense of Iran's export capacity.

Who Impacted

Iran's economy, oil sector employees, regional trade partners, and civilian populations would suffer disrupted exports, price volatility, and heightened security risks; neighbouring states and global markets could face supply shocks and increased geopolitical instability.

Media Bias