Trump says 'bigger, more powerful' strikes on Iran coming tonight, threatens takeover of key oil hub

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Thursday, June 11, that the United States will launch another round of military strikes against Iran, promising attacks that would be “bigger” and “more powerful” than previous operations.

“Yeah, there will be more bombing tonight,” Trump told Fox News in a phone interview. “The bombs will be bigger, more powerful,” he added.

The remarks came hours after Trump warned on Truth Social that Iran would be hit “VERY HARD TONIGHT” amid continuing hostilities and stalled diplomatic efforts.

Trump threatens to take Kharg Island

In the same social media post, Trump said that the United States would eventually take control of Kharg Island, a small island in the Persian Gulf that serves as Iran’s primary crude oil export terminal.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Kharg Island handles roughly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports and is widely considered the backbone of the country’s energy sector.

Conflict intensifies as talks stall

The latest threat follows days of escalating military exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The United States and Iran traded strikes overnight, while negotiations aimed at ending the conflict remain deadlocked.

Trump has repeatedly warned that military operations will continue unless Iran agrees to a memorandum of understanding and moves toward a broader settlement.

Trump indicated that diplomatic channels remain open and said efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran are continuing.

Questions over Kharg Island strategy

Military analysts have noted that capturing or occupying Kharg Island would be a major undertaking requiring a substantial ground presence, something the Trump administration has so far been reluctant to commit.

While US forces have conducted multiple strikes on military targets linked to the island, critical oil infrastructure has largely been spared.

Trump’s latest comments are likely to raise fresh concerns about a broader escalation in the Gulf, with global energy markets closely watching developments around Iran’s most important oil-export hub.