Active traders and analysts have cited excerpts from a 1988 interview with the former US president published by the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’, highlighting his early political ambitions and stance on international issues.
In the interview, Trump criticized what he described as “weakness” in US dealings with Iran at the time, stressing the need for a firmer approach. He stated, “I will be tough with Iran. They are beating us psychologically and making us look like a bunch of fools. If they fire a single bullet at our men or ships, I will conduct a military operation against the island of Kharg. I will go in and take control of it.”
Trump added at the time that “confronting Iran would be good for the world.”
Kharg Island holds major strategic importance for Iran and has been a target of interest for the US in the ongoing conflict over the past two weeks. Following a US strike on Friday that destroyed military targets on the island, which represents a center for nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, there are increasing possibilities of a response from Tehran.
On Friday, Trump stated on social media that the United States had “completely destroyed all military targets” in Kharg, threatening to target oil infrastructure if Iran continues to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Data from maritime tracking agencies indicates that Iran continued to export crude oil at a rate ranging between 1.1 and 1.5 million barrels daily, despite an increase in production prior to the war launched by Israel and the US on February 28.
Markets are closely watching for any indicators suggesting that the air attacks have caused damage to Kharg’s complex network of pipelines, ports, and tanks.
