What’s behind Donald Trump’s interest in Iran’s Kharg Island?

Inside StoryThe US president is threatening to take over Iran’s oil export hub or destroy it.It is Iran’s main oil hub, with nearly all of the country’s exports depending on this area.Kharg Island is now facing an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to take it by force – likely by putting boots on the ground or destroying the island altogether if Tehran does not agree to a deal soon.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Is the US ready to invade Iran? What Trump’s moves tell us so farlist 2 of 3Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ all water desalination plants in Iranlist 3 of 3G7 ready to take ‘necessary measures’ to ensure energy market stabilityend of listSo, as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its second month, what would controlling Kharg Island mean for the conflict? And would Trump follow up on his threats?Presenter: James BaysGuests:Negar Mortazavi – Senior nonresident Fellow at the Center for International PolicyMatthew Kroenig – Vice president at the Atlantic CouncilAlexandre Vautravers – Defence policy specialist and editor-in-chief of Swiss Military ReviewPublished On 31 Mar 2026