• العربية
  • فارسی
Brand
  • Iran Insight
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Analysis
  • Special Report
  • Opinion
  • Podcast
  • Live TV
  • Iran Insight
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Analysis
  • Special Report
  • Opinion
  • Podcast
  • Live TV
  • Theme
  • Language
    • العربية
    • فارسی
  • Iran Insight
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Analysis
  • Special Report
  • Opinion
  • Podcast
  • Live TV
All rights reserved for Volant Media UK Limited
volant media logo

Trump threat may mask plan to seize Kharg Island, Iran ex-MP says

Mar 23, 2026, 08:42 GMT+0

A former Iranian lawmaker said US President Donald Trump’s 48-hour threat over the Strait of Hormuz may be aimed at seizing key Iranian islands, including Kharg Island.

Ali Motahari said the warning could be “a kind of deception” to justify action against strategic locations.

“Trump’s threat may be a kind of deception for the occupation of Kharg Island and the three islands,” he said, according to state media.

He warned that any such move would be costly, adding: “If they are occupied, the enemy will suffer heavy casualties.”

Trump has said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, while US officials are also weighing options related to Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, according to Axios.

Most Viewed

Why Trump said no to Iran’s Hormuz proposal
1
ANALYSIS

Why Trump said no to Iran’s Hormuz proposal

2

Tehran seeks negotiated way out as Washington maintains pressure

3

Hormuz oil flows rise despite Iran threats against shipping

4

UAE outmaneuvers Iran’s Hormuz strategy, state TV analysts say

5

Families of slain protesters challenge Pezeshkian over UN remarks

Banner
Banner

Spotlight

  • Iran’s shrinking air links raise costs, strain regional ties

    Iran’s shrinking air links raise costs, strain regional ties

  • Why Trump said no to Iran’s Hormuz proposal
    ANALYSIS

    Why Trump said no to Iran’s Hormuz proposal

  • Iran’s oil industry has too many masters
    OPINION

    Iran’s oil industry has too many masters

  • Iran wrong to expect midterms to restrain Trump, former US official says

    Iran wrong to expect midterms to restrain Trump, former US official says

  • Trump may be buying time on Iran until after the midterms
    PODCAST

    Trump may be buying time on Iran until after the midterms

  • US and Iran want a deal, but neither wants to move first
    ANALYSIS

    US and Iran want a deal, but neither wants to move first

Banner
Banner