Trump weighs seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island as Hormuz tensions escalate

US President Donald Trump is assessing the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, through which the majority of Iran’s oil exports pass, according to US officials cited by Axios.

American officials told Axios that roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports are shipped through the island, prompting Washington to consider it a strategic target.

Officials say Trump could order the island to be taken under control if the obstruction of oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz continues.

A source close to the White House said the scenario had drawn the US president’s interest, noting that if carried out the operation could deal a severe blow to the financing of the government in Iran.

The same source described the plan as potentially delivering an “economic knockout” to Iran’s leadership.

Ground invasion scenario carries significant risks

The proposal, however, is considered to involve serious military and regional risks. Taking control of Kharg Island could require a ground operation, and Iran’s armed forces could retaliate by targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Officials warn that oil facilities and pipelines in Gulf states, particularly in Saudi Arabia, could become targets of Iranian strikes.

One source told Axios, “There are big risks. There are also big rewards. The president has not made such a decision and we are not saying he will.”

The same official added that Trump would not adopt a passive stance. “Trump is not thinking about waiting and letting Iran determine the tempo of the conflict,” the source said.

Another source indicated that as long as the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues and oil exports from the region remain limited, ending the war would not be a practical option for Trump.

Washington seeks coalition over Hormuz

The US administration is currently working to build an international coalition aimed at lifting the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior officials from the White House and the Trump administration held intensive diplomatic consultations with allies on March 14 and 15.

An official speaking to Axios described the discussions as “a diplomatically intense weekend between the US and its European, Middle Eastern and Asian allies.”

Washington’s immediate objective is to secure political commitments from other countries. Details of potential military contributions would be determined at a later stage.

According to internal White House assessments, coalition members may deploy warships equipped with drones to the Strait of Hormuz.

Kharg Island at the heart of Iran’s oil economy

Trump said on March 14 that the US military had carried out an operation against Kharg Island that he described as “one of the most powerful strikes in Middle East history.”

He said the operation destroyed all military targets.

Iran presented a different account. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said oil infrastructure on the island had not been damaged.

Located in the northern Persian Gulf, Kharg Island is a small coral formation. Despite its size, it holds critical importance for Iran’s economy, serving as the primary gateway for the country’s oil exports.