Trump threatens Iran: “We will strike tonight and take over its oil”

President of the United States Donald Trump issued an unusual and direct threat against Iran on Thursday evening, saying that the United States would strike it with great force as early as tonight. In his remarks, Trump claimed that the Iranian navy, air force, radar systems, air defenses, and most of Iran’s offensive capabilities “no longer exist.” He said that at some point in the near future, the United States would also take control of Kharg Island and additional oil facilities in Iran. Trump added that the United States would take “full control” of Iran’s oil and gas markets, and compared it to the American move in Venezuela, which he said “is working excellently for both Venezuela and the United States.”

This is one of Trump’s sharpest statements since the escalation with Iran began, and it comes against the backdrop of American and Israeli preparations for the continuation of the campaign, and reports of extensive damage to Tehran’s defense and attack systems.