Trump says US could take oil in Iran and seize Kharg Island

Donald Trump has told the Financial Times that he could "take the oil in Iran" and possibly capture Kharg Island, which is a key fuel hub for the country. He mentioned, "To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some foolish people back in the US ask, 'Why are you doing that?' But they’re foolish people." Trump indicated that taking control of Kharg Island is an option. He said, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options." He noted that this would require a presence on the island for some time. When asked about Iran's defenses there, he responded, "I don’t think they have any defense. We could take it very easily." His statements come as an additional 3,500 US troops have arrived in the Middle East, amid rising concerns that tensions could lead to Iranian attacks on American forces. Trump also mentioned that indirect talks between the US and Iran, facilitated by Pakistani "emissaries," are going well, but he did not confirm if a ceasefire could be reached soon. He stated, "A deal could be made fairly quickly."