US President Donald Trump has said he could consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources, including the strategic fuel hub of Kharg Island, according to an interview with the Financial Times.
“To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” Trump said.
He indicated that such a move might involve occupying Kharg Island, adding: “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options.” He also noted that any such step would likely require a continued US presence on the island.
Responding to a question about Iran’s defensive capabilities there, Trump said: “I don’t think they have any defence. We could take it very easily.”
His remarks come as an additional 3,500 US troops have been deployed to the Middle East amid growing concerns that further escalation could put American forces at risk of Iranian retaliation.
Trump also said indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, conducted through Pakistani “emissaries,” were making progress, though he did not confirm whether a ceasefire agreement was imminent.
“A deal could be made fairly quickly,” he added.
#From BBC