Donald Trump has warned that the United States will strike Iran 'very hard' tonight and seize Kharg Island, the backbone of Iran's oil industry. The US and Iran have been exchanging attacks for the past two days, raising fears of a full-scale war in the Middle East.
Trump's Threat on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: 'The United States will be hitting Iran (whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti-Aircraft, and all other forms of Defence, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT.' He added that the US would soon take Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points, assuming total control of Iran's oil and gas markets, similar to the situation in Venezuela.
Stalled Negotiations
Trump, who has previously called himself the 'President of Peace', has promised a deal with Iran over 40 times since the conflict began, but no agreement has been reached. Stalled talks have led to new US strikes, with Trump stating Iran would 'pay the price' for the lack of progress. Mediators, led primarily by Pakistan, have been unable to bridge the gap between the two sides.
Divergent Demands
The US demands that Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which remains entombed after American air strikes in the 12-day war of 2025. Iran refuses and insists on relief from sanctions and the release of frozen assets before any final agreement, a condition rejected by Trump.
Escalation and Regional Impact
Trump blamed Iran for shooting down a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. Iran subsequently launched attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which responded with air defences. Since the US and Israel began striking Iran on February 28, the war has disrupted the global economy, driving up energy prices and making basics like food more expensive.
Efforts to turn the April ceasefire into a permanent end to the conflict have failed, especially as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia.
