ISLAMABAD: United States President Donald Trump has suggested that the US could, in the future, take control of key Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, as part of a broader strategic approach toward the country’s energy sector.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that “at some point in the not too distant future,” the US would consider “taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points,” and assuming “total control” of Iran’s oil and gas markets.
He drew a comparison with Venezuela, claiming that US involvement there had been “working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” without providing further details to substantiate the assertion.
He threatened that the US would be “hitting Iran … VERY HARD TONIGHT.”
US-Iran talks still on track despite overnight escalations, CNN claims
Talks to reach a deal between the US and Iran are on track despite a recent exchange of strikes, CNN reported on Thursday, citing a diplomatic source.
An exchange of attacks between the US and Iran continued for a second consecutive day, with Trump warning that Washington would launch additional strikes unless Tehran immediately accepts the peace deal.
In a statement, the US Central Command said American forces struck multiple military targets in Iran from late Wednesday into early Thursday, describing the attacks as an act of “self-defence” following the downing of a US helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump earlier said Iran had taken too long to negotiate a deal, and would have to pay a price.
