Trump Threatens Strikes on Iran and Seizure of Kharg Island Oil Infrastructure

On June 11, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. would strike Iran 'very hard' that night and would, 'at some point in the not too distant future,' seize Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure to assume 'total control' of Iran's oil and gas markets, drawing a parallel to the U.S. takeover of Venezuela's oil sector following the January ouster of Nicolás Maduro. Kharg Island, a small coral outcrop roughly 15–16 nautical miles off Iran's coast in the northern Persian Gulf, processes approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports and is strategically vital because Iran's mainland coastline is too shallow for large tankers. Hours after the threats, Trump softened his stance on Fox News, saying he was unsure 'America has the stomach' for a ground seizure, and subsequently canceled the planned airstrikes, citing discussions with Iran and suggesting a peace deal could come 'as early as this weekend.' Military analysts and multiple outlets note that while U.S. forces could likely seize the island relatively quickly given existing air dominance and degraded Iranian defenses, occupying it would expose American troops to sustained Iranian drone, missile, and artillery fire from just 21–33 kilometers away, with Iran reported to have reinforced the island with MANPADs and anti-personnel mines in anticipation of such an operation. Experts warn that a seizure is more likely to expand and extend the war than deliver a decisive outcome, and that the economic impact may be limited given that U.S. naval blockades have already severely curtailed Iranian oil exports. Oil prices rose approximately $2 per barrel on the initial threats before retreating after the strikes were canceled.