U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his threats against Iran’s Kharg Island, raising concerns about growing risks to the global economy, particularly as tensions continue over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he is considering additional strikes on the island following U.S. attacks carried out over the past weekend. He noted that Washington could carry out such operations very quickly, but hinted that his decisions may change depending on developments, especially regarding Iran’s future reconstruction.
Trump previously stated that U.S. forces had targeted military sites on Kharg Island, stressing that oil facilities were not hit “for humanitarian reasons.” However, he warned that he could reconsider that decision if the strait is closed to shipping traffic. He also suggested the possibility of further strikes, describing them as actions that could even be carried out “for fun.”
Targeting oil infrastructure on Kharg Island would carry major risks, as it could trigger serious disruptions in global energy markets. The island is a strategic hub through which nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports pass, and it lies about 15 miles off the Iranian coast.
Data indicate that Iran has exported around 1.7 million barrels of crude oil per day this year, including roughly 1.55 million barrels shipped through Kharg Island. China remains the main importer of Iranian oil. Reports also suggest that Tehran is considering allowing some tankers to pass through the strait only if transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan.
At the same time, the Trump administration is reportedly studying more aggressive options, including direct control of Kharg Island. A U.S. official described such a move as a potential “economic knockout blow” to the Iranian government by cutting off a key source of revenue. However, the step could provoke retaliatory actions from Iran, including possible attacks on oil facilities and pipelines in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to pressure allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but these efforts have so far received limited response. With Iran maintaining pressure on the waterway and oil and gas prices rising, fears are growing that the crisis could have serious economic consequences, potentially affecting the U.S. economy itself if tensions are not contained soon.
