The Digest:
US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in seizing Iran's oil, telling the Financial Times that his "favourite thing" would be to take the Islamic Republic's petroleum resources. He also weighed capturing Kharg Island, Iran's key fuel export hub which handles 90 percent of Tehran's oil exports. The comments come amid ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US, with Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz squeezing shipping traffic. Trump's ambition extends beyond his publicly declared war goals in the Middle East.
Key Points:
- Trump said he would prefer to take Iran's oil, calling critics who question this "stupid people."
- He also considered seizing Kharg Island, which handles 90 percent of Iran's oil exports.
- Iran holds the world's third-largest proven crude oil reserves, after Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, with about 20 percent of global oil normally passing through.
- The US previously captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and announced control of that country's oil industry.
As the conflict with Iran intensifies, Trump's suggestion of seizing Iranian oil signals a potential expansion of US military objectives beyond the stated goals of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources: The Cable
