US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by suggesting that Washington could seize Iran’s oil assets, including the highly strategic Kharg Island, the backbone of Tehran’s crude exports. In an interview, Trump claimed that taking control of Iran’s oil would be “easy,” even comparing the potential move to past US actions in Venezuela. He also dismissed critics back home, calling them “stupid” for questioning such a strategy. Trump further indicated that capturing Kharg Island remains one of several options under consideration, while acknowledging it could require a prolonged US presence on the ground. WATCH

Amid the Iran war, Gulf Arab states are pushing Washington to secure a tougher deal with Iran, warning that a ceasefire alone will not be enough to guarantee regional stability. Officials say any agreement must permanently curb Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and prevent the Strait of Hormuz from being used as a geopolitical weapon.