Trump Threatens to Obliterate Kharg Oil Terminal as Iran War Enters Fifth Week
Key Takeaways
- Trump threatened to obliterate Kharg Island oil terminal if Iran stalls peace.
- Iran warns against US ground invasion as Pentagon prepares forces, Marines arrive.
- Iran hits Gulf targets as U.S. and Israel continue strikes.
Trump Threatens Energy Strikes
Trump threatened to obliterate Iranian energy sites, including Kharg Island.
He claimed talks with a new, more reasonable regime were making great progress.
Iran directly contradicted Trump, calling US demands unrealistic and excessive.
Trump Weighs Seizing Iranian Oil
Trump raised the prospect of the US taking Iran's oil.
He was considering whether to seize Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Tehran's petroleum shipments.
He likened the move to US ambitions to control Venezuela's oil industry.
Iran Retaliates by Mining Strait
Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz.
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About one-fifth of the world's oil transits through the strait.
Oil prices continued to soar amid the uncertainty.
US Military Prepares Ground Invasion
Thousands of additional US Marines were set to arrive in the region.
American forces prepared for a ground invasion of Iran.
Iran's parliament speaker warned the armed forces were waiting for a land arrival.
Europe Pushes Back on War Logistics
Spain closed its airspace to US planes involved in the Iran war.
The move followed a denial of US use of jointly operated military bases.
Prime Minister Sanchez described the war as illegal, reckless and unjust.
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