US President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire to seize control of Iran's oil reserves amid the ongoing conflict. In a recent interview with the British newspaper "Financial Times," Trump stated, "To be honest, I would most like to take the oil in Iran." While he did not provide specific operational details, the Republican leader noted that indirect negotiations with Tehran, facilitated by Pakistani mediators, are progressing well. However, he issued a strict April 7 deadline for Iran to accept a peace agreement to end the war, warning that failure to comply would trigger direct US strikes on the Iranian energy sector.
Seizing Iran's oil wealth would necessitate the capture of Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, a critical hub responsible for approximately 90 percent of the nation's crude exports. Military experts have cautioned that occupying the island would leave US forces highly vulnerable to Iranian counterattacks. Nevertheless, according to a weekend report by the "Washington Post" citing unnamed US officials, the Pentagon has already developed advanced plans for a weeks-long ground offensive. These blueprints reportedly involve deploying special operations forces and conventional troops to Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, though a full-scale invasion of Iran is not planned.
The conflict, which ignited in late February with joint US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials on the first day, continues to engulf the broader Middle East. Iran has fiercely retaliated with drone and missile barrages targeting Israel, US regional facilities, and neighboring Gulf states.
The Israeli military recently intercepted two drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen. Meanwhile, Kuwait suffered damage to a power plant and a water desalination facility during an overnight strike, resulting in the death of an Indian worker. According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, its air defenses successfully intercepted five ballistic missiles. Broadcaster Al Jazeera reports that Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have also been subjected to renewed missile and drone fire.
In Europe, Spain has emerged as a staunch critic of the US-Israeli military campaign. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's left-wing government has officially closed its airspace to any aircraft associated with the conflict. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo explained that the measure "is part of the Spanish government's decision not to participate in this unilaterally initiated war, which violates international law." As reported by "El País" and Europa Press, the ban prohibits both take-offs from Spanish soil and overflights by military aircraft operating from bases in countries like the UK and France.
As the war enters its fifth week, global energy markets are feeling the strain. The price of North Sea Brent crude jumped by up to four percent overnight, reaching nearly $117 per barrel, with other oil varieties experiencing similar spikes. This surge in fuel costs is already heavily impacting the global economy, driving up prices for consumers worldwide.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Privacy Policy