President Donald Trump waves to the media as he walks on the South Garden upon his arrival on the White Home, on March 29, 2026, in Washington.
| Picture Credit score: AP
U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the concept of American forces seizing Iran’s Kharg Island, its principal oil terminal within the Persian Gulf.
The remark by Mr. Trump got here in an interview revealed early on Monday (March 30, 2026) by The Monetary Instances.
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“Perhaps we take Kharg Island, perhaps we don’t. We’ve a variety of choices,” Mr. Trump informed the newspaper. “It could additionally imply we needed to be there (on Kharg Island) for some time.” Requested about Iranian defences there, he mentioned, “I don’t assume they’ve any defence. We might take it very simply.” The U.S. already launched airstrikes as soon as it mentioned focused army positions on the island.
Iran has threatened to launch its personal floor invasion of Gulf Arab nations and new assaults if U.S. troops land on its territory.
Mr. Trump mentioned that Iran’s parliament speaker authorised the passage of oil tankers by the Strait of Hormuz, the slender mouth of the Persian Gulf.
The remark by Mr. Trump within the interview is the newest sign by the Individuals of Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf’s significance inside Iran’s theocracy.
“They gave us 10” Pakistani-flagged tankers, he mentioned. “Now they’re giving 20 and the 20 have already began and so they’re going proper up the center of the Strait.” “He’s the one who authorised the ships to me,” Mr. Trump informed the newspaper about Qalibaf. “Bear in mind I mentioned they’re giving me a gift? And everybody mentioned: What’s the current?’ … Once they heard about that they saved their mouth shut and the negotiations are going very properly,” Mr. Trump mentioned.
Qalibaf has maintained a combative character by his X account within the conflict, mocking the Individuals and issuing threats. However the former Revolutionary Guard commander has seen his profile rise as senior members of its theocracy have been killed.
Printed – March 30, 2026 08:31 am IST