Trump floats a Hormuz blockade, Kharg Island strikes and says "I may just be a mob character" as Iran tensions escalate this week.
President Trump warned on Wednesday that renewed conflict with Iran could escalate quickly, raising the possibility of a fresh US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a takeover of Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal, and additional military strikes. Speaking in Turkey alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said, "We'll probably hit them hard again tonight," adding that Iran "deserve it."
At a Glance
- Trump floated reinstating a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz aimed specifically at Iran
- The US struck more than 80 targets Tuesday night, per US Central Command
- Kharg Island handles up to 90% of Iran's oil exports
- Iran attacked three vessels near the strait earlier this week
- Trump said a diplomatic deal with Iran may not materialize
Blockade Threat Returns to the Table
The US previously blocked Iranian shipping from April until last month, when Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to reopen the waterway and start broader talks. Trump said Wednesday that "we may put it back," promising the blockade would target only Iran, though he acknowledged Iranian attacks and reported mining efforts already complicate shipping through the strait.
Kharg Island Back in Trump's Sights
Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of seizing Kharg Island since the conflict began, sometimes pulling back from it. He confirmed the US struck the island Tuesday night, saying, "I said don't touch the oil because maybe we'll take over Kharg Island." In April, he said he would leave the island alone because the American public wanted troops to come home, calling the resources "for the taking" at other points.
Renewed Strikes and a Mob Style Threat
The latest tension follows Iranian attacks on three vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz this week. US Central Command said the military responded Tuesday night with strikes on more than 80 targets, focused on Iranian small boats accused of harassing shipping. Trump suggested more strikes were possible Wednesday night, saying, "There's not a thing they can do about it." At one point discussing his approach to the standoff, Trump remarked that people may see him as tough or unpredictable, joking, "I may just be a mob character," a line that underscored his blunt, no deal preferred posture toward Tehran.
Where Diplomacy Stands Now
Trump cast doubt on the prospects for a negotiated settlement, saying, "I don't know if we are going to have a deal. We may just do it without a deal, because, you know what, it's easier." That comment leaves open whether the memorandum of understanding reached last month survives the latest round of strikes, or whether military pressure becomes the primary US strategy going forward.
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