PM Albanese Urges Australians Not to Hoard Fuel
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Darwin, 30 March :
Amid the ongoing month-long conflict with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to take control of all of Tehran’s oil resources. In an interview with the Financial Times, he also indicated interest in capturing Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
On Monday, multiple media outlets reported Trump’s remarks, citing the interview. According to a BBC report, Trump said, “Frankly, I want to take Iran’s oil. Some fools are asking why we would do that—they are truly foolish.”
Hinting at the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, Trump added, “We may or may not take Kharg Island. We have many options. However, to implement such a step, U.S. forces may need to stay there for some time.”
When asked about Iran’s defense capabilities on the island, he claimed that they are not very strong and that the United States could take control of it quite easily.
Trump compared this potential move to Venezuela, where he claimed the U.S. seeks long-term control over the oil sector.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is gradually spreading across the Gulf region. Rising tensions are increasing the risk of attacks on energy infrastructure and pushing global oil prices higher.
Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for a possible ground operation. Already, an additional 3,500 U.S. troops have been deployed to the Middle East, with more potentially on the way.
Trump also mentioned that, through Pakistan’s mediation, significant progress has been made in talks aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States, although he declined to provide further details.
Experts have warned that a military operation targeting Kharg Island could be risky for the United States and may prolong the conflict.
Kharg Island is extremely important to Iran’s economy, as nearly 90% of the country’s oil exports pass through it. Located in the northern Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, the island holds major strategic significance.
If Kharg Island were to be captured, it would effectively allow control over Iran’s oil exports, placing significant economic pressure on Tehran.