US President Donald Trump threatened more US attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub and called on allied countries to send warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict with Iran continues, according to a Reuters report.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump said the US strikes had caused severe damage to Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that more attacks could follow.
“We might do it a few more times just for fun,” Trump said, adding that while Tehran seemed willing to discuss ending the conflict, “the terms are not good enough yet.”
The comments came as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its third week, with both sides indicating they were preparing for a longer confrontation.
‘The countries of the world must take care of this step’
Trump also urged countries that depend on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz to send naval forces to secure the sea route.
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“The countries of the world that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz must take care of that passage, and we will help… a lot,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He said the United States would coordinate with other countries to ensure the route remained open to shipping.
The strait is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and much of the world’s oil and gas supply passes through the narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Rising risks to shipping have driven up energy prices and raised concerns about supply disruptions.
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Iran rejects ceasefire calls
Iran said it would not consider a ceasefire unless US and Israeli airstrikes cease. Iranian forces continued attacks in the region. A drone attack disrupted an important energy center in the United States
United Arab Emirates on Saturday, while the United States warned its citizens to leave Iraq after a missile attack near the US embassy in Baghdad.
Since the United States and Israel began airstrikes against Iran on February 28, more than 2,000 people have been reported dead, most of them in Iran, according to government and state media reports.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also warned that US-linked facilities in the region could become “legitimate targets.”
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Damage reported on Kharg Island
Iran downplayed the extent of damage on Kharg Island after the US strikes.
However, the US military said it targeted more than 90 locations on the island, including naval mine storage areas and missile bunkers.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would respond if its energy infrastructure was attacked.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after he was killed in previous attacks, has said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed.
Allies weigh response
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Western countries have not yet confirmed whether they will send warships to the region.
A UK Ministry of Defense spokesman said Britain was discussing possible measures with its partners to protect shipping.
“As we have said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region,” the spokesperson said.
France has also said it is working with partners on plans for a coalition to protect shipping once the security situation improves.
The conflict has already disrupted oil markets, with some cargo operations temporarily suspended at the port of Fujairah, a major global refueling hub outside the Strait of Hormuz.
