Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran 'VERY HARD, TONIGHT' and seize Kharg Island, escalating tensions despite a nominal ceasefire. In a post on Truth Social, the US president claimed most of Iran's offensive capacity had been destroyed and vowed to take control of Iran's oil and gas infrastructure.
Trump’s Threats and Demands
Trump stated, 'At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their oil and gas markets, much like we have with Venezuela.' Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports and hosts vast storage facilities. Later, he told Fox News he would rather avoid hitting Iranian bridges and power plants.
Strikes and Ceasefire Violations
Iran and the US have traded strikes for two consecutive days, triggered by the downing of a US helicopter above the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire, established in early April, has been undermined by sporadic retaliatory strikes, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Trump said Thursday’s assault was prompted by Iran stalling in negotiations aimed at turning the temporary ceasefire into a permanent peace.
The US launched a wide-ranging salvo against what it described as 'military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air-defence sites across Iran.' The US military also struck an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, firing Hellfire missiles at the vessel it claimed was attempting to breach a blockade of Iranian ports.
Impact and Casualties
An Indian official said a US strike killed three Indian crew members on a ship. Iran launched missiles and drones at Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, with Bahrain’s interior ministry reporting an 11-year-old girl injured by falling debris.
Negotiations and Sticking Points
Despite the strikes, Iranian officials told Reuters that talks on a preliminary deal had intensified, with both sides exchanging messages on a memorandum of understanding. Significant obstacles remain, including unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets. Iran wants the funds released all at once directly to Tehran, while the US favors a phased approach focused on humanitarian goods.
Other unresolved issues include the conflict in Lebanon, which Iran insists must be included in any ceasefire framework. Israeli strikes there have reportedly killed more than 3,600 people, while Hezbollah attacks have killed at least 30 Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Impact
Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz after Wednesday’s attacks, warning ships to be patient. The strait is a chokepoint for about 20% of the world’s oil supply, and its closure has sent energy prices and inflation soaring. The US military denied the strait had been closed or its ships attacked, insisting vessels continued to move through.
Trump is seeking a deal with Iran as the conflict becomes increasingly unpopular in the US, with midterm elections, rising inflation, and plummeting approval ratings.
