Trump Eyes Iran’s Kharg Island: “My Favourite Thing Is To Take The Oil”

WASHINGTON / ASIA — In a characteristically blunt admission that has sent ripples through global energy markets, President Donald Trump has declared that his primary objective in the month-old Iran war is the seizure of Tehran’s oil reserves. Speaking with the media on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the president specifically identified Kharg Island—Iran’s most vital oil export terminal—as a top target for U.S. forces.

1. “Taking the Oil”: A Shift in Rhetoric

While past U.S. administrations have often been accused of pursuing “oil-driven” foreign policies, President Trump has become the first to openly frame a military conflict around the acquisition of natural resources.

• The “Favourite” Goal: “To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump told the FT. He dismissed domestic critics of this strategy, labeling them “stupid people.”
• The Venezuela Parallel: Trump compared the current strategy in Iran to the ongoing U.S. presence in Venezuela, where the U.S. intends to control the oil industry “indefinitely” following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.

2. Target: Kharg Island

Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude exports. Its capture would effectively decapitate the Iranian economy’s primary revenue stream.

• Ease of Capture: Trump asserted that the U.S. could take the island “very easily,” claiming that Iranian defenses there are non-existent.
• Pentagon Deliberations: Despite the president’s confidence, media reports that the Pentagon is engaged in a heated debate over a ground operation. While thousands of Marines and Navy personnel have been deployed to the region, military experts warn of significant risks, including high American casualty rates.

3. Iran’s Counter-Strategy: “Laying Traps”

U.S. intelligence suggests that Tehran is far from defenseless on the island.

• Fortification: Recent reports indicate that Iran has been moving advanced air defenses and elite military personnel to Kharg Island.
• Intelligence Reports: Sources familiar with U.S. intelligence claim Iran is “laying traps” and preparing for a potential amphibious or aerial assault by U.S. forces.

4. Global Market Chaos

The President’s comments have added fuel to an already volatile energy market. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has caused a massive supply shock.

• Price Surge: Oil prices have surged by more than 50% in just 30 days.
• Asian Markets: On Monday morning, Brent crude rose above $116 a barrel, nearing its highest level since the conflict began.

Strategic Update: The Battle for Iranian Oil (March 30, 2026)