U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could seize Kharg Island to gain control of Iranian oil exports. The island serves as the main route for over 90 percent of Iran's oil shipments.
Trump stated that taking the island would require a prolonged U.S. presence and that Iran had little or no defence on the island. He claimed the operation could be executed easily and that the U.S. had multiple options.
Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran via Pakistani intermediaries were reported to be progressing. The Pentagon has deployed up to 10,000 additional troops to the region, including 2,500 Marines.