Trump Warns of Additional US Strikes on Iran’s Key Oil Terminal, Calls for International Naval Presence in Strait of Hormuz
As tensions between the United States and Iran intensify, US President Donald Trump has signalled the possibility of further American military operations targeting Iran’s vital oil export infrastructure while simultaneously urging other nations to help safeguard one of the world’s most critical maritime energy routes — the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump claimed that recent US attacks had inflicted substantial damage on Kharg Island, Iran’s principal oil export terminal located in the Persian Gulf.
The island serves as the main hub for Iran’s crude shipments to global markets. The US president indicated that Washington was prepared to carry out additional strikes if necessary.
“We might strike it again several times if needed,” Trump said, adding that although Iranian authorities had hinted at a willingness to discuss ending hostilities, the proposals offered by Tehran were still unacceptable from Washington’s perspective.
Conflict Entering a Prolonged Phase
Trump’s remarks come as the military confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its third week, with both sides increasingly preparing for a potentially prolonged conflict.
Air strikes, missile attacks and drone operations have intensified across several parts of the region.
At the same time, the US president appealed to countries that depend heavily on energy shipments travelling through the Strait of Hormuz to contribute naval forces to secure the narrow waterway.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that nations benefiting from oil transported through the strait should take greater responsibility in protecting the route.
“The countries that rely on oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz must ensure that passage remains safe.
The United States will assist significantly,” he wrote, suggesting that Washington would coordinate efforts with international partners to maintain the free flow of shipping through the region.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is regarded as one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the global energy system.
A significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow corridor every day.
Growing instability in the region has heightened fears of potential disruptions to shipping traffic, pushing global energy prices upward and raising concerns about possible supply shortages in international markets.
Regional Attacks and Escalation
Iran has rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire, insisting that it will only consider halting hostilities if US and Israeli aerial bombardments stop.
Meanwhile, Iranian forces have continued to conduct operations across the region.
On Saturday, a drone attack struck a major energy installation in the United Arab Emirates, causing a temporary disruption at the facility.
At the same time, the United States issued an advisory urging American citizens to leave Iraq after a missile landed near the US embassy in Baghdad, highlighting the growing security risks in the area.
Since the United States and Israel launched coordinated air strikes against Iran on February 28, more than 2,000 fatalities have been reported, with the majority occurring inside Iran, according to figures released by Iranian government officials and state media outlets.
Iranian Warnings and Counterclaims
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any sites associated with the United States across the Middle East could be considered legitimate targets if the conflict continues to escalate.
Although Washington claims its strikes caused extensive damage to Kharg Island, Iranian officials have sought to minimize the impact.
Tehran has stated that the damage was limited and that operations at the facility could be restored.
However, US military sources say that more than 90 targets on Kharg Island were struck, including storage areas for naval mines as well as fortified missile installations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Tehran would retaliate if its energy infrastructure continued to come under attack.
Leadership Change and Hormuz Threat
Meanwhile, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership after the death of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamen,ei in earlier strikes, has suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as part of Iran’s response strategy.
Such a move would have severe consequences for the global energy market, as the strait handles a major share of the world’s crude oil shipments.
International Allies Consider Options
Western governments are still assessing how they might respond to Washington’s request for increased naval presence in the region.
A spokesperson for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that London is consulting with allied nations on potential measures to protect commercial shipping passing through the Gulf.
The official said discussions are ongoing regarding various options to strengthen maritime security and safeguard international trade routes.
Similarly, France has indicated that it is working with partners to develop plans for a possible multinational coalition tasked with defending shipping lanes once conditions allow.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
The intensifying conflict has already begun to affect energy logistics. Some loading operations were temporarily halted at the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s largest ship-refuelling and oil storage hubs located just outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy analysts warn that continued instability in the region could further disrupt supply chains and create volatility in global oil prices.
As diplomatic efforts remain uncertain and military tensions continue to rise, the situation in the Persian Gulf is increasingly being viewed as a potential flashpoint with far-reaching consequences for international trade and global energy security.
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