Trump Says U.S. Will Strike Iran and Seek Control of Oil Infrastructure

President Donald Trump announced on social media that the U.S. military would conduct strikes against Iran and stated the American government would move to assume control of Iran's oil and gas industries in coming weeks.

Trump said the strikes would occur "tonight" and included language indicating the action would be significant. He specified Kharg Island, a major oil terminal, as a target of future operations aimed at controlling Iran's petroleum infrastructure.

Trump provided no additional details about the timing, scope or military resources involved in the announced action. He did not specify what provoked the statement or identify immediate Iranian actions that prompted the military response.

The announcement marked an escalation in rhetoric between the two countries. Trump has previously imposed economic sanctions on Iran and withdrawn the U.S. from the international nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term as president.

Iran's government has not yet responded to Trump's statement. U.S. officials in the Pentagon and State Department declined immediate comment on the president's announcement.

Kharg Island serves as a critical hub for Iran's crude oil exports. Control of the facility would give any occupying force leverage over a significant portion of global oil supplies. The island sits in the Persian Gulf and has been a target of military strikes during previous conflicts in the region.

Trump's statement comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain elevated over multiple issues, including Iranian nuclear development, proxy forces operating in the Middle East, and regional conflicts involving American allies.