U.S. President Donald Trump warned Thursday that Washington would strike Iran “very hard tonight,” escalating threats after a fresh exchange of attacks between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Gulf.
Trump also said the United States could move to take control of Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, as well as other energy infrastructure. The island handles the bulk of Iran’s oil exports, most of which normally flow to China.
“The United States will be hitting Iran very hard tonight,” Trump wrote on social media, claiming much of Iran’s military capability had already been destroyed.
He added that Washington could eventually “take Kharg Island” and assume control over Iranian oil and gas infrastructure, comparing the plan to U.S. actions involving Venezuela.
Iran quickly warned against any further escalation. Ebrahim Azizi, head of parliament’s national security committee, said Trump would face a stronger and more painful response if he made any “uncalculated” move.
The warning came after a second straight day of strikes between the two sides. The U.S. hit targets across Iran, while Tehran said it fired on American military positions in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, as well as the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Iranian media reported explosions in several cities and said at least five people were injured.
Despite the rising military confrontation, Iranian and Western officials said indirect talks between Tehran and Washington had intensified. The discussions reportedly include unresolved issues such as frozen Iranian funds, sanctions relief and guarantees over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
One Iranian source said the war had reached “a dead end” militarily and that negotiations had made progress.
Iran is seeking the release of funds held abroad, the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says any agreement must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon and must reopen safe passage through the strait.
Trump also confirmed that talks were continuing, but again suggested that seizing Kharg Island remained his preferred option.
Analysts say taking the island would likely require U.S. ground forces, exposing American troops to missile and drone attacks. They also warn such a move may not bring a quick end to the war, even if the island could be captured rapidly.
The conflict has already disrupted energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war. Oil prices were mostly flat Thursday as investors weighed Trump’s threats against the limited immediate impact on supply, with Iranian oil exports already disrupted by a U.S. blockade.
India also demanded an end to attacks on Indian-crewed ships after three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. strike on a tanker off Oman. New Delhi said three vessels carrying Indian crews had been hit this week.
The war, now in its fourth month, has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, since the U.S. and Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran in late February.