Trump says US attacked Kharg Island and may seize it

President Donald Trump has renewed threats to seize Iran's primary oil export terminal, Kharg Island, following a series of military strikes that have shattered a fragile ceasefire between the two nations. The escalation began after Iran attacked three commercial vessels, including a Qatari-flagged LNG carrier, in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7. In response, the United States launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military sites, including targets on Kharg Island itself.

Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey on July 8, Trump confirmed the U.S. had struck the island overnight. He stated that U.S. forces deliberately avoided targeting the oil infrastructure but left open the possibility of a full takeover. "We attacked Kharg Island last night, knocked out a piece," Trump said. "I said, 'Don't touch the oil, because maybe we'll take over Kharg Island.' There's not a thing they can do about it." He declared the recent ceasefire with Iran over, calling further negotiations a waste of time.

The U.S. military action, detailed by U.S. Central Command, reportedly hit over 60 small boats used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and targeted coastal...