US President Donald Trump has once again pushed the Middle East to the brink of war with fresh threats against Iran, warning that the US would 'hit hard' and potentially seize a key Iranian island. The remarks came amid escalating tensions and missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, as well as US airstrikes on suspected Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
Trump's Conflicting Statements
On Thursday, Trump cast confusion over Iran peace talks by first warning that the US would strike Iran 'very hard tonight' and seize Kharg Island, a crucial hub for Iran's oil industry. However, he later announced that 'discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved.' The president has repeatedly claimed over the past three months that the war was nearly over, stating a settlement was close almost 20 times.
Trump added, 'The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalised — time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.'
Escalation in the Region
The latest escalation began after a second day of missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, triggered by daily airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and Iranian attacks on US bases. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that US attacks had 'effectively rendered the ceasefire meaningless,' though it did not explicitly abandon the ceasefire.
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf near US bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is vital to Iran's economy, handling 90% of its oil exports. The island's proximity to the Iranian mainland—just 21 miles away—makes it vulnerable to missile, drone, and artillery attacks. Trump acknowledged, 'My preference has always been to take Kharg Island,' but added, 'I don't know that America has the stomach for it to be honest.'
Boots on the Ground?
Trump indicated reluctance to deploy ground forces, saying, 'We could walk in there tomorrow. We could take soldiers—I don't want to have boots on the ground. But if I wanted to, we could put a small group of soldiers and take over the place.'
Meanwhile, the US has deployed additional Stratotanker refueling aircraft and three B-52 bombers to the region. The US Embassy in Baghdad warned Americans to remain on high alert for renewed attacks. A massive US naval force, including two aircraft carriers, up to 18 destroyers, and an unknown number of submarines, is stationed in the area. Approximately 50,000 US troops are based across the Middle East, with fighter bomber squadrons in places like Jordan.
Recent Incidents
On Wednesday, the US fired on a tanker off the coast of Oman, killing three Indian nationals. The US military said it targeted the Palau-flagged vessel M/T Settebello as part of its blockade of Iran. Overnight, contradictory claims emerged: Iran said it had hit a US warship and closed the Strait of Hormuz, but the US denied this. Trump claimed Iran had asked him to stop attacks, which Iranian officials also denied.
