Trump Suspends Attacks on Iran Amid Economic Pressure Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, announced a suspension of military operations against Iran, raising questions about his strategic intentions. Analysts suggest this move may be part of a broader economic strategy to weaken Iran through sanctions. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s oil exports and the impact of U.S. sanctions on its economy. The suspension of attacks follows a period of heightened conflict, with Trump previously threatening military action against Iran unless a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, he has since retreated from this stance, prompting speculation about his true motives. Some experts believe the move is a calculated effort to pressure Iran economically, leveraging sanctions to cripple its oil-dependent economy. Iran’s primary source of revenue is oil exports, and the U.S. has imposed strict sanctions on its oil trade. These measures have led to significant financial losses for Iran, with estimates suggesting the country could lose billions of dollars daily. The sanctions have also disrupted Iran’s ability to export oil, particularly through key ports like Kharg Island, which serves as a critical hub for its oil shipments. The situation has reached a critical point, with Iran’s oil reserves nearing capacity. Reports indicate that the country’s storage facilities are nearly full, forcing it to halt new oil production. If this trend continues, Iran could face severe economic consequences, including a potential collapse of its oil industry. Analysts warn that once oil production is halted, restarting it would be extremely difficult, given the long-term damage to infrastructure and supply chains.#iran #donald_trump #kharg_island #oil_exports #us_sanctions
Iran War News: Trump Says He Got 'Gift' From Iran's Speaker Ghalibaf, Hints At Kharg Seizure For Taking Oil US President Donald Trump has suggested the United States could seize Iran’s oil and Kharg Island, a critical export hub, as the Middle East conflict enters its fifth week. Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump emphasized his preference for taking control of Iran’s oil resources, drawing parallels to Washington’s actions in Venezuela earlier this year. He claimed the move would disrupt Tehran’s economy and described the operation as a potential “gift” from Iran’s leadership. Kharg Island, located 16 miles from Iran’s coast in the northern Gulf, serves as the primary outlet for 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Seizing the island, Trump argued, would allow the US to cripple Iran’s energy trade and exert significant pressure on its economy. However, experts have warned that a ground operation on the island could place US troops in extreme danger, potentially prolonging the conflict rather than resolving it. The island’s strategic location, about 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, makes it a key target for disrupting Iran’s oil shipments. Trump also hinted at indirect negotiations between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistani “emissaries,” which he claimed are making progress. He set an April 6 deadline for Tehran to agree to terms to end the conflict or face strikes on its energy infrastructure. “We’ve got about 3,000 targets left, we’ve bombed 13,000 targets and another couple of thousand targets to go,” Trump stated, suggesting a potential deal could be reached quickly. The president further claimed that Iran’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, had authorized an increase in Pakistan-flagged oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.#donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #mohammad_khamenei #kharg_island #mohammad_bagher_ghalibaf
Iran threatens to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil trade, if the United States attacks Kharg Island, according to recent statements from Iranian officials. The strait, often referred to as the "Gate of Tears," is a vital passage for 12% of the world's crude oil shipments, making it a strategic asset in the region. Iran has warned that any military action targeting Kharg Island, a key hub for oil exports, would trigger a response that could disrupt the flow of oil through the strait. This threat comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz already under scrutiny for its role in global energy supply. Earlier this year, Iran had already demonstrated its ability to block the Hormuz Strait, a critical route for about a fifth of the world's oil, by deploying naval forces to disrupt shipping. The move highlighted Iran's capacity to challenge Western dominance in the region and assert control over key maritime corridors. The potential conflict over Kharg Island underscores the broader geopolitical stakes in the area. The island, located in the Persian Gulf, is home to one of Iran's largest oil terminals and serves as a critical link in the country's energy infrastructure. A U.S. attack on the island would not only threaten Iran's economic interests but also risk triggering a wider confrontation that could have global repercussions. Iran's warning to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait adds another layer of complexity to the situation. By threatening to disrupt a different but equally vital shipping route, Tehran is signaling its willingness to escalate tensions beyond the immediate conflict over Kharg Island. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, making it a lifeline for trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island #bab_al_mandeb_strait
US-Iran Negotiations Proceed Amid War Tensions The White House confirmed that diplomatic talks with Iran are ongoing, despite Tehran’s refusal to immediately accept a 15-point plan to end the conflict. Two administration officials told CNN that the U.S. is working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan to discuss a potential resolution, or “off-ramp,” to the war. However, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied that negotiations are taking place, stating that the U.S. shift in tone represents an admission of failure after previously demanding “unconditional surrender.” Araghchi emphasized that messages exchanged between the two sides through mediators do not constitute negotiations. “The fact that they are talking about negotiation now is exactly an admission of defeat,” he said during a televised interview. He also criticized the U.S. for sending multiple messages to Tehran via “friendly countries,” calling the communication an exchange of ideas rather than dialogue. Meanwhile, Iran has been preparing for a potential U.S. military operation by deploying military personnel and air defenses to Kharg Island, according to U.S. intelligence reports. The island, strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, has become a focal point of the conflict. Iran also announced plans to charge countries a fee for safe passage through the strait, as tracking data shows multiple vessels have passed through the waterway. Congressional frustration over the war effort has grown, with members of the House Armed Services Committee expressing dissatisfaction with a recent briefing by Trump administration officials. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican, claimed she felt “misled” during the session and warned that prolonged conflict would erode public support. Rep. Clay Higgins acknowledged the briefing was “contentious,” while Rep.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #white_house #abbas_araghchi #kharg_island
US Considers Military Reinforcements as Iran Conflict Enters New Phase President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring the possibility of deploying thousands of U.S. troops to the Middle East to bolster its military operations against Iran, according to a U.S. official and multiple sources familiar with the planning. The move comes as the conflict with Iran, which has been ongoing for over a week, enters a potential new phase. The discussions include options such as securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and deploying forces to Iran’s Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for maritime trade, could be secured through air and naval operations, sources said. However, securing the waterway might also involve positioning U.S. troops along Iran’s coastline, according to four sources, including two U.S. officials. The administration is also considering sending ground forces to Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran’s oil exports. One official warned that such an operation would be extremely risky, as Iran has the capability to strike the island with missiles and drones. The U.S. has already conducted strikes against military targets on Kharg Island, including on March 13, and Trump has threatened to target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, experts suggest that controlling the island might be a preferable option to destroying it, given its economic significance. Deploying ground troops, even for a limited mission, could pose significant political risks for Trump, as public support for the Iran campaign remains low and his campaign has emphasized avoiding entanglement in Middle East conflicts.#us #iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island
The U.S. Senate advanced a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan on Thursday, prompting criticism from South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, aims to bolster military and humanitarian efforts in the region. However, Graham’s comments on the ongoing military operation against Iran’s Kharg Island drew sharp backlash from fellow lawmakers and military families. Graham, a Republican, argued that the U.S. should continue the operation to weaken Iran’s regime, comparing the effort to the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. “Take Kharg Island, where all of the resources they have to produce oil are,” he told Fox News, urging President Trump to “let this regime die on a vine.” He emphasized the importance of controlling the island, which serves as a key oil hub for Iran, and praised the Marines’ role in the operation. “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this,” he said, despite acknowledging the high cost of the mission. At least 13 U.S. service members have died since the Trump administration launched the operation, raising concerns about the risks involved. Graham defended the strategy, stating, “God bless the fallen,” but faced criticism for downplaying the human toll. Senator Elizabeth Mace, a Democrat, condemned Graham’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and accusing him of treating troops as expendable. “He was wrong about Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Iran,” she wrote on social media, referencing past military missteps. The debate over the operation intensified after Mace voted against a war powers resolution that would have required Trump to halt military actions in Iran. The resolution failed, allowing the administration to continue its efforts.#iran #kharg_island #lindsey_graham #u_s_senate #marines
Lindsey Graham invokes Iwo Jima in call for Trump to 'take Kharg Island' Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged President Donald Trump to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, during an appearance on Fox News, drawing a parallel to the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Graham told host Shannon Bream: “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this.” He emphasized his confidence in the U.S. military’s ability to secure the island, which lies approximately 20 miles off Iran’s coast, and called for Trump to maintain pressure on Iran until the goal is achieved. “Keep it up for a few more weeks, take Kharg Island where all of the resources they have to produce oil, control that island, let this regime die on a vine,” Graham said. Graham’s remarks followed a recent analysis by The Atlantic magazine, which warned that an invasion of Kharg could escalate into a prolonged and costly conflict. The publication described the operation as a “grinding war of attrition,” citing the island’s strategic significance and the potential for high casualties. In response, Graham dismissed the analysis as “armchair quarterbacking,” asserting his trust in the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. “I trust the Marines, not that guy,” he said, referring to the Atlantic’s pessimistic assessment. Graham highlighted the deployment of two Marine expeditionary units to the region, reinforcing his belief in the feasibility of the mission. The Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest conflicts of World War II, resulted in nearly 7,000 U.S. service members killed and over 20,000 wounded. The battle was a critical part of the U.S. military’s island-hopping strategy to advance toward Japan, securing airbases for bombers. Graham’s invocation of Iwo Jima underscored his argument that the U.S.#donald_trump #kharg_island #lindsey_graham #fox_news #shannon_bream
Iran Threatens to Mine Gulf in Response to Coastal Attacks Iran's Defence Council warned on Monday that an attack on the country's southern coast and islands would result in the closure of all Gulf shipping routes through the deployment of sea mines. The statement, released by state media, emphasized that such an attack would lead to the Gulf being effectively sealed off, with mines laid in a manner similar to the Strait of Hormuz. The Defence Council highlighted the potential for floating mines to be deployed from the coast, creating a situation where maritime traffic would face severe restrictions. The statement also referenced historical context, noting the failure of over 100 minesweepers in the 1980s to clear a small number of sea mines, underscoring the challenges of navigating mined waters. It reiterated that non-belligerent states must coordinate passage through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, a requirement that has been in place for decades. Separately, U.S. officials are reportedly considering plans to either occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub. This move is intended to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, a critical artery for global oil trade. The U.S. strategy appears to focus on disrupting Iran's ability to leverage the Strait as a geopolitical tool, while also addressing concerns over the security of international maritime routes. The Defence Council's warning comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran previously accusing the U.S. of escalating hostilities through military actions and sanctions. The threat to mine the Gulf underscores Iran's determination to protect its territorial waters and assert control over strategic maritime corridors.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island #gulf #iran_defence_council
Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq sell off to end another brutal week as Iran war rages US stock losses accelerated on Friday as investors grappled with the escalating Iran conflict, which raised concerns about potential US military action to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 fell by 0.9% and 1.5%, respectively, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 2%, marking its worst performance of the week. The declines followed reports that the Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil export hub. Analysts warned that such a move could further strain already volatile oil markets. Oil prices fluctuated sharply as traders weighed the risk of prolonged Middle East tensions. Brent crude futures hovered near $105 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude remained around $97. The conflict has kept oil prices elevated, fueling fears of persistent inflation and delaying potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined for the fourth consecutive week, with the Nasdaq nearing correction territory as inflationary pressures mount. President Trump’s comments on Friday intensified market uncertainty. He stated he does not want a ceasefire with Iran, vowing to “obliterate” the country’s military capabilities. His remarks followed a surge in crude oil prices, which spiked amid renewed attacks on Persian Gulf targets. Analysts noted that the war’s impact on oil supply could keep prices high, further pressuring the economy. The energy sector bucked broader market trends, with shares of energy companies rising over 3% as oil prices climbed. However, most other sectors ended the week in the red, with Materials and Utilities lagging.#iran #dow_jones_industrial_average #s_p_500 #nasdaq_composite #kharg_island
Trump Says Iran Ready to Negotiate Ceasefire, But Not Ready to Make Deal President Donald Trump stated Saturday that Iran is willing to negotiate a ceasefire but that he is not prepared to finalize a deal, citing unsatisfactory terms. During a nearly 30-minute telephone interview with NBC News, Trump emphasized that while Iran has expressed interest in ending the conflict, the proposed conditions remain inadequate. He declined to specify what those terms would be, though he acknowledged that a commitment from Iran to abandon nuclear ambitions would be a key component. The president also outlined the potential trajectory of the U.S. military operation in Iran, which began last month with joint strikes by Israeli and U.S. forces. Iran has since retaliated by launching attacks on Israel and U.S. targets in neighboring countries. Trump noted that the operation has already significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile and drone infrastructure, and predicted that the nation’s ability to threaten the region would be “closed off relatively quickly.” He added that the strikes on Kharg Island, a strategic oil terminal, had “totally demolished” the site, though he hinted at the possibility of further attacks. In addition to addressing the conflict with Iran, Trump discussed efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. He claimed that several countries affected by Iran’s actions have pledged to collaborate with the U.S. in safeguarding the strait, though he did not name them. The president also mentioned that the U.S. Navy might escort ships through the strait, though he avoided confirming the details. Iran, meanwhile, has vowed to keep the strait closed and has called for higher oil prices amid the conflict.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #mohammad_khamenei #kharg_island
Kharg Island Strike Threatens Iran Oil Supply To China | Israel Attacks Iran An attack on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub, has raised concerns in China, the country’s largest buyer of Iranian crude. The island, which processes nearly 99% of Iran’s oil exports, plays a critical role in global energy supply. Oil shipments from the island traverse the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for international energy trade. Any disruption to this route could destabilize global oil markets and increase pressure on energy-dependent economies, including China. The incident has intensified fears of broader regional instability, with reports suggesting the attack may be linked to ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil flows, remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions. Analysts warn that even a temporary disruption could lead to spikes in oil prices and supply shortages, affecting economies reliant on imported energy. Iran’s reliance on Kharg Island underscores its strategic importance. The island serves as a key logistical node for Iran’s oil exports, with most shipments destined for Asian markets, particularly China. The attack has prompted discussions about the vulnerability of Iran’s energy infrastructure and the potential for further escalations in the region. Meanwhile, Israel’s involvement in the conflict has added another layer of complexity, with military actions and retaliatory threats heightening the risk of wider conflict. The situation has also drawn attention to the broader implications for global energy security. The Strait of Hormuz, already a critical artery for oil transportation, faces increasing threats from both regional and international actors.#iran #israel #china #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island
Trump says US struck Iran's ‘crown jewel’ Kharg Island, warns Tehran against Hormuz blockade Kharg Island serves as the export terminal for 90 per cent of Iran's oil shipments and lies about 483 km northwest of the strait. Updated on: Mar 14, 2026 5:22 AM IST#iran #trump #kharg_island #hormuz #strait
Iran War: What Happens If Trump Pushes to Seize Kharg Island Kharg Island, a strategically vital hub often called Iran’s “oil lifeline,” has remained untouched during nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli-led strikes against Iran. The five-mile-long coral island, located about 15 miles off Iran’s northern coast in the Persian Gulf, serves as a critical export terminal for the country’s crude oil. It accounts for roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports and has a daily loading capacity of around 7 million barrels. Analysts warn that any attempt to attack or seize the island would carry significant geopolitical and economic risks. The Trump administration has reportedly discussed seizing Kharg Island, according to an Axios report citing unnamed sources. White House officials have previously indicated that oil prices could drop sharply once the conflict concludes, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president maintains all options. However, experts caution that such a move would require a ground troop operation, which the U.S. appears reluctant to undertake. Kharg’s location in deep water makes it a key asset for oil supertankers, according to Francis Galgano, a military geography specialist at Villanova University. He noted that capturing the island could provide maximum leverage over Tehran, but the operation would demand a substantial military effort. Galgano estimated that deploying 5,000 troops to secure and hold the island would be necessary, a task that could strain U.S. resources. The potential seizure of Kharg could have severe consequences for global oil markets. JPMorgan analysts warned that disabling the terminal would risk up to half of Iran’s national oil production, as the country lacks viable export alternatives.#strait_of_hormuz #trump_administration #kharg_island #axios #jpmorgan
White House Considering a Raid to Seize Kharg Island The Trump administration is reportedly evaluating a series of special operations against Iran, including a potential raid to capture Kharg Island, according to Axios. The island, situated at the northernmost point of the Arabian Gulf, serves as a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports. It hosts the main crude loading port, which processes the majority of Iran’s oil shipments. By capacity, the facility could handle significantly more oil than Iran’s current national output, with its primary buyers being privately owned refineries in China. Kharg Island’s strategic position near the shipping routes of Iraq and Kuwait makes it a key target for U.S. military planners. Officials cited during the Axios report mentioned the island in discussions about recovering Iran’s high-enriched uranium fuel supply from the Isfahan tunnel complex, which was previously damaged by U.S. strikes. Seizing Kharg could provide a logistical base for future operations in Iran and allow the U.S. to exert control over regional sea lanes. Iran’s ability to reclaim the island is deemed unlikely in the near term. The U.S. has established air dominance over the area, and Iranian naval forces have suffered heavy losses from U.S. Central Command actions. CENTCOM recently reported sinking over 30 Iranian warships since the conflict began. According to Jarrod Agen, a former Lockheed marketing executive now leading the National Energy Dominance Council, the ultimate objective is to secure Iran’s oil supply. Agen emphasized that controlling Iran’s oil would reduce concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “We’re not going to have to worry about these issues in the Strait of Hormuz because we’re going to get all of the oil out of the hands of terrorists.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #white_house #kharg_island #central_command
Iran's Strategic Oil Island Kharg Faces Military Threat Amid Middle East Conflict Kharg Island, a small coral landmass situated in the northern Persian Gulf, has emerged as a critical hub for Iran’s oil industry. The island, located approximately 15 miles off the Iranian mainland, serves as the primary export point for nearly 90% of the country’s crude oil. Crude shipments pass through the island before traveling via the Strait of Hormuz to global markets, with a daily loading capacity of around 7 million barrels. Despite the escalating Middle East conflict, the island has so far remained untouched by U.S. and Israeli military operations. Analysts suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump may consider seizing the island as a strategic move to disrupt Iran’s oil exports and gain leverage over the regime. However, such an operation would pose significant risks. A ground troop invasion would likely draw prolonged retaliation from Iran, including drone attacks, and could further destabilize an already volatile region. The potential seizure of Kharg Island could also exacerbate energy market volatility, as oil prices have already surged past $100 per barrel due to ongoing hostilities. Petras Katinas, a research fellow at the London-based defense think tank RUSI, warned that capturing the island would “cut off Iran’s oil lifeline,” a vital revenue source for the regime. He noted that while the Strait of Hormuz has become a bottleneck for Iranian exports, controlling Kharg Island could provide the U.S. with leverage during future negotiations, regardless of which political faction emerges victorious. However, Katinas emphasized that the U.S. administration appears hesitant to commit ground forces to such an operation.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #kharg_island #rusi
