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Rajoni dhe Bota2026-03-30 10:10:00

Why has Trump always wanted the US to invade Iran's 'forbidden island'?

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Why has Trump always wanted the US to invade Iran's 'forbidden
Donald Trump

Donald Trump has raised the possibility of seizing Iran's oil and occupying its important export hub on Kharg Island.

It's not the first time he's suggested the US seize the island - in fact, his interest in it dates back years.

Trump's view in the 1980s: 'I would go in and get it'

Kharg Island, a five-mile-long reef that accounts for more than 90% of Iran's oil exports, has been examined several times in our coverage of the war.

In the 1950s, the island was developed into the vast oil facility it is today. It is home to at least 8,000 residents, many of whom are oil workers.

Access is restricted, which is why it is known by the nickname "forbidden island".

Why has Trump always wanted the US to invade Iran's 'forbidden
Oil pipes leading to the Kharg Island pier in 1971/ AP

In the 1980s, when Trump was first considering entering politics, he told The Guardian newspaper that "I would hit Kharg Island hard; I would go and get the oil."

Trump said he would act if American interests were attacked, at a time when maritime traffic was being disrupted in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war.

He noted at the time that occupying the island would be a good way to put pressure on Iran.

Why has Trump always wanted the US to invade Iran's 'forbidden
US forces dealing with mines in the Persian Gulf in 1987, while escorting Kuwaiti tankers/ AP

"To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil out of Iran ," the US president told the Financial Times.

"Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe not. We have a lot of options. It would also mean we would have to stay there on Kharg Island for a while. I don't think they have any defenses. We could take it very easily."

Some may also recall his comments in a 2011 Wall Street Journal interview, when he said the US should have taken the oil from Iraq.

"You heard me, I would take the oil," he said at the time. "I would not leave Iraq and I would not let Iran take the oil."

 

donald trump ishullin kharg iran

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