Trump is weighing a seizure of Iran's critical oil depot on Kharg Island

Trump is pushing to form an international naval coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while weighing a potential seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub.Summary:Trump is working to assemble a multinational coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The White House hopes to announce the coalition later this week.Washington has been urging allies to send ships to secure the shipping route.The strait carries roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supply.U.S. officials say Trump is also considering seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub.Such an operation would require U.S. ground forces.The option is being considered if tankers remain trapped in the Gulf.U.S. President Donald Trump is working to assemble a multinational naval coalition aimed at reopening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to people familiar with the discussions.Sources cited by Axios said the White House hopes to announce the coalition later this week as Washington scrambles to restore maritime traffic through the key energy corridor, which has been heavily disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Iran.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important waterways in global energy markets, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Shipping activity through the route has collapsed in recent days amid attacks on vessels and escalating military tensions in the region.Trump has been pressing allies and other major economies to contribute naval assets to help secure the passage and escort commercial vessels through the strait.The U.S. president has argued that countries benefiting from the corridor should participate in protecting it, and has publicly urged partners including European allies and Asian energy importers to join the effort.At the same time, U.S. officials say the administration is weighing a far more aggressive contingency plan if shipping disruptions persist.According to Axios, Trump is considering the possibility of seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, a move that would require deploying U.S. ground forces.(Bolding mine … boots on the ground would be a huge escalation). Kharg Island is the primary terminal for Iranian crude exports and plays a central role in the country’s oil infrastructure. A military operation targeting the facility would represent a major escalation in the conflict and could significantly alter global energy supply dynamics.Officials say the option is being considered in the event that tankers remain trapped in the Persian Gulf and international efforts fail to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The discussions highlight the mounting urgency in Washington as policymakers attempt to stabilise global energy markets and prevent prolonged disruption to oil flows from the Gulf.However, any move to seize Iranian energy infrastructure would likely carry significant geopolitical risks and could further escalate tensions across the region.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.

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