'Much like Venezuela': Trump says US will take control of Iran's energy markets

US President Donald Trump on Thursday issued fresh threats of military strikes against Iran, claiming the US would hit the country "very hard tonight".

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Washington would also seize control of major Iranian oil and gas facilities, including Kharg Island — just as it has done in Venezuela.

"The United States will be hitting Iran (whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti-Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT," Trump wrote.

"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, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America," he added.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump reiterated his position and said, "We are talking to them and all, but you know, look, my preference has always been — take Kharg Island ... My preference would be that. I don't know that America has the stomach for it."

Meanwhile, the US carried out attacks across Iran on Thursday, targeting Iranian surveillance systems, communication networks and air defence sites. The strikes followed what Washington described as continued Iranian aggression. Trump also indicated that military operations could intensify if Tehran did not quickly accept American terms.

According to Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, Trump said the strikes would soon stop but warned that heavy bombing would resume if Iran's leaders failed to sign an agreement immediately.

Iran responded with attacks on American military facilities across the Gulf.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched strikes against 18 US military targets, including air bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters. Iranian forces also claimed responsibility for another missile attack on the Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan.


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