Franklin Gonzales
President Trump said Wednesday the apparent collapse of the ceasefire with Iran could escalate quickly, raising the prospect of a renewed US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a takeover of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub, and fresh military strikes. His remarks, delivered in Turkey alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, come as tensions with Tehran sharpen again after a brief pause in hostilities.
What Trump Said in Turkey
"We'll probably hit them hard again tonight," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran "deserve it." He confirmed that US forces struck Kharg Island on Tuesday night, a facility that handles up to 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. "I said don't touch the oil because maybe we'll take over Kharg Island," he said, suggesting additional strikes could follow.
The Strait of Hormuz Blockade Option
Trump floated reinstating the US blockade that barred Iranian vessels from transiting the strait from April until last month, when Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to reopen the waterway and pursue broader talks. "We may put it back," he said, framing any renewed blockade as targeting "only" Iran, though he conceded that Iranian attacks on shipping and apparent mining activity already complicate transit for commercial vessels.
Not Just an Idle Threat on Kharg Island
Kharg Island has surfaced repeatedly in Trump's rhetoric since the conflict began. At times he has called the island's oil resources
Christina Shaw
Roberto Anderson
