Trump threatens US may seize Kharg Island, the terminal handling about 90% of Iran's oil exports

US President Donald Trump has again raised the prospect of seizing Kharg Island, Iran's main crude oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, saying the United States may take control of it, as tensions with Tehran escalate. His remarks came alongside the reimposed naval blockade of Iran's ports and continued US strikes as of Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Kharg is the principal chokepoint for Iran's oil exports, with media reports estimating that about 90% of the country's crude is loaded there, so any threat against it bears directly on Iran's foreign-currency revenue and the oil market. No strike on Kharg's energy infrastructure has been reported so far, but US officials say the option remains on the table. Rising concern over Kharg and the Strait of Hormuz kept global oil prices near a one-month high through Thursday, July 16.