New Delhi: Donald Trump has threatened additional strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub at Kharg Island and called on allied nations to deploy warships to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as the conflict between the United States and Iran entered its third week.
In remarks to NBC News, Trump claimed that recent American strikes had “totally demolished” large parts of Kharg Island and warned that further attacks could follow. “We may hit it a few more times,” he said, signalling the possibility of continued military action against the Iranian facility.
The comments mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric from the US president, who had earlier indicated that American operations were limited to military targets on the island.
Kharg Island is one of Iran’s most important oil export terminals, and damage to the facility could further disrupt global energy supplies already strained by the ongoing conflict.
At the same time, Trump urged countries that rely on energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to help secure the critical maritime corridor. The narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman is one of the world’s most important energy routes, handling roughly 20 million barrels of oil shipments per day and nearly one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade.
In a message posted on social media, Trump said nations affected by Iran’s attempts to restrict movement through the strait should send naval forces to assist in keeping the route open.
“Many countries will be sending warships, together with the United States, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe,” he wrote, adding that the US Navy would begin escorting oil tankers passing through the region.
Trump also claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened during the conflict, saying they had been “completely destroyed”. However, he acknowledged that Tehran could still pose limited threats in the waterway.
“It is still easy for them to send a drone, drop a mine or launch a short-range missile in the area,” he said.
The escalation comes as global energy markets remain on edge due to disruptions in oil shipments linked to the conflict. Iran reportedly moved to close the Strait of Hormuz in early March, raising concerns about the stability of global energy supply chains.
Meanwhile, Iran has strongly criticised the growing presence of foreign military forces in the region. Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged Middle Eastern countries to expel what he described as “foreign military forces” from the region.
Responding to Trump’s call for international naval deployment, Araghchi said on social media that the US security umbrella in the region had failed and accused Washington of seeking assistance from other countries to safeguard the strategic waterway.
The diplomatic exchange reflects deepening tensions as both sides show little sign of stepping back from the confrontation, raising concerns that the conflict could further destabilise global energy markets and maritime security in the Gulf
