How Trump’s plan to take Iran’s Kharg Island could come unhinged
AdvertisementUS, Israel war on IranChinaDiplomacyHow Trump’s plan to take Iran’s Kharg Island could come unhingedUS President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to seize the key Iranian oil hub, with latest speech heightening fears
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenVanessa Caiin ShanghaiandWilliam Zhengin Hong KongPublished: 9:28pm, 2 Apr 2026Updated: 9:30pm, 2 Apr 2026Donald Trump’s threat to seize Kharg Island – a key Iranian oil hub – could be a risky proposition, analysts say, given its strategic location in the Persian Gulf.
The small coral island lying about 33km (21 miles) offshore handles around 90 per cent of Iran’s crude shipments. It also sits close to missile and drone ranges stationed on the Iranian mainland and about 660km (410 miles) from the now heavily fortified Strait of Hormuz.The Trump administration has been considering deploying troops to seize the small island as a way to pressure Iran into reopening the strait, a critical energy conduit that has been effectively shut in..
