Trump: "I want to take Iran’s oil"… Middle East tensions rise amid talk of possible seizure of Kharg Island

US President Donald Trump has publicly signaled his intent to secure Iranian crude, even raising the possibility of seizing Kharg Island—Tehran’s key export hub—heightening geopolitical risks across the Middle East.

According to the Financial Times (FT) on the 29th (local time), Trump said in an interview, "Honestly, the thing I want most is to take Iran’s oil," citing the Venezuela case and suggesting he could ultimately seek to control the oil industry. He also claimed of Kharg Island, the central hub for Iran’s crude exports, that it "can be secured easily."

The remarks come as US-Israel military clashes with Iran intensify. Over the past month, international crude prices (Brent) have surged more than 50% to above $116 a barrel, amplifying instability in energy markets.

The United States is already significantly bolstering its forces in the region. The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of about 10,000 troops; roughly 3,500 have recently arrived, with additional Marines and airborne units being sent in.

Still, seizing Kharg Island is viewed as a scenario carrying major military and political risks. Analysts say that if an operation were carried out, it could increase US casualties and prolong the war, while delivering an unavoidable direct shock to the global oil supply chain.

The front is also showing signs of spreading across the region. US troops were injured in an attack on a Saudi air base, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have fired ballistic missiles toward Israel, further escalating tensions.

Diplomatic contacts, however, are also under way. Trump said indirect negotiations via Pakistan are in progress, and hinted at the possibility of additional attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure if no deal is reached by April 6.

Meanwhile, Trump also raised the possibility of changes in Iran’s governing structure, claiming the negotiating counterpart is a different group than before. The veracity of the remarks has not been immediately confirmed.