Trump Considers Seizing Iran's Khark Island Oil Hub

Odaily Planet Daily reports that Axios states Trump is seeking to form a multilateral alliance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and plans to announce this later this week. Four sources reveal that if the blockage of Persian Gulf oil tankers persists, Trump is also considering seizing Iran’s key oil transfer station, Hark Island, which would require U.S. ground forces involvement.

Iran is currently blocking oil exports from Gulf countries but allowing oil tankers carrying Iranian crude to pass freely. On Saturday, Trump stated on Truth Social that the U.S. and multiple countries will send warships to the Persian Gulf and called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to participate. On Sunday, he said aboard Air Force One that the U.S. is negotiating with seven countries, some of whom have refused to join.

The White House calls this plan the “Hormuz Alliance.” No countries have publicly committed to join yet, but senior officials expect some to announce support this week. Trump also discussed the plan with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, warning that if NATO allies do not respond, it could negatively impact NATO’s future.

Regarding Hark Island, located about 15 miles off the Iranian coast, it handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Trump ordered strikes on military facilities on the island on Friday but did not target oil infrastructure. U.S. officials say seizing the island would be an economic blow to the Iranian regime but could also provoke Iranian retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries’ oil facilities.