Trump threatens to seize Iran's Kharg Island, then pulls back
What's new: After vowing fresh strikes and control of Iran's oil hub, Trump later canceled the attack and pointed to talks with Tehran.
President Donald Trump threatened Thursday to seize Iran's main oil export terminal, Kharg Island, and other energy sites before later backing away and canceling planned overnight strikes. In posts and a Fox News phone interview, Trump said he wanted "total control" of Iran's oil and gas markets and warned the U.S. military would hit Iran "VERY HARD." Hours later, he said the strikes were off because discussions with Tehran were continuing. Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran's crude shipments before the war, making it a critical target in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Trump also said he doubted Americans had "the stomach" for taking the island and indicated he wanted to avoid sending ground troops.