According to CNBC, on Thursday the American president wrote on Truth Social that the US armed forces may strike Iran “very hard” that night, referring to previous airstrikes carried out by the US military.
The target was the terminal on Khark Island – a critical point for the Iranian economy. Before the outbreak of the conflict, he was responsible for approximately 90 percent. Iran's oil exports.
Trump suggested that the US could take “full control” of Iran's oil and gas sector, referring to actions against Venezuela.
The US Navy has previously restricted oil exports from Iran by blocking ports and ships. So far, however, Washington has not decided to launch a land operation aimed directly at energy infrastructure.
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Uncertainty about surgery
In an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump admitted that he is not sure whether the US has enough determination to take over Khark Island.
— I think they would like us to go home, but we did it in Venezuela. Venezuela has been good for everyone, the president said during a live conversation.
He also noted that he would prefer to avoid bombing Iran's energy infrastructure, although he had previously considered such a scenario.
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Venezuela as a precedent
The president referred to US actions in Venezuela, where – as he claims – after the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro in January, the American administration took control over oil exports. Revenues from the sale of Venezuelan oil are currently transferred to the account of the US Treasury, and the raw material is refined on the US Gulf Coast.
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Growing tension around Iran
In recent days, Trump has increased pressure on Tehran, criticizing the lack of progress in negotiations on the nuclear program and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalation came after the US accused Iran of shooting down an American Apache helicopter in the region.
— We dropped bombs worth $250 million on them. last night. This is all crazy, but they're already on their knees. They just don't know it yet, Trump said on Fox News.
Iran rejects American demands and emphasizes that it controls the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world's most important energy routes, through which approximately 20 percent of energy was transported before the conflict. global oil supplies.
