WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States plans to take control of Iran’s key oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, the country’s main crude export terminal, in a statement that marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s rhetoric toward Tehran.

The announcement was made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he outlined plans to target Iran’s energy sector and assume control of its oil and gas markets.

“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela,” Trump wrote.

Kharg Island is one of Iran’s most strategically important energy assets, handling the vast majority of the country’s crude oil exports. Any attempt to seize or control the facility would represent a major escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran and could have significant implications for global energy markets.

Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following a series of military exchanges and threats that have raised concerns over regional stability and the security of maritime trade routes in the Gulf.