Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
WASHINGTON, March 30 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he wants access to Iranian oil and could take control of Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub.
"Frankly, what I'd most like to get is Iranian oil," he said in an interview with the Financial Times. The White House chief compared his approach to American policy toward Venezuela, where Washington intends to control the oil industry "indefinitely" following the violent takeover of President Nicolás Maduro in January.
To gain control of Iranian oil, it is necessary to seize Kharg Island, through which more than 90 percent of Iran's "black gold" is exported, writes the Financial Times, warning that such a move could lead to increased losses and a prolongation of the war.
"Maybe we'll take Kharg Island, maybe we won't. We have a lot of options," the newspaper quotes D. Trump as saying. "That would also mean we'd have to stay there for a while," the president added.
According to D. Trump, the island's defenses are weak or nonexistent. "We could capture it very easily," he said.
Trump's remarks come amid a rapid buildup of American military power in the Middle East. At the same time, US officials say the White House is considering a military operation to remove nearly 1,000 pounds (453.6 kg) of uranium from Iran.
He also urged his advisers to pressure Iran to agree to hand over nuclear materials as a condition for ending the war, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with Trump's thinking. -0-
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