President Donald Trump has said Iran is seeking a deal to end the ongoing conflict but insisted the United States is not ready to agree because the proposed terms are “not good enough.”
In an interview with NBC, Trump claimed the US had “totally demolished” Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, during recent strikes.
He added that American forces could target the facility again. “We may hit it a few more times just for fun,” the president said.
The comments come as hostilities between Israel and Iran intensified overnight, with both sides exchanging strikes. Missile and drone interceptions were also reported in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar.
Security concerns have grown across the region. The United States Embassy in Baghdad warned American citizens in Iraq to leave the country immediately after a missile reportedly struck the embassy compound on Saturday.
In a related development, non-emergency US government personnel have been directed to depart from Oman as tensions continue to rise.
Trump has also renewed calls for international cooperation to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom said it was discussing a “range of options” with partners to help safeguard shipping routes in the region as the conflict threatens global energy supply chains.
The US military also confirmed that six American soldiers were killed in a refuelling aircraft crash in Iraq on Thursday, adding another tragic dimension to the rapidly escalating crisis.
