U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted that a ground offensive against Iran remains a possibility, but indicated that such an operation would not necessarily be carried out by U.S. forces alone. Instead, he suggested it could involve support from America’s allies.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, where he said he would not rule out the possibility of a ground military operation in Iran if he considered it necessary.
“Sometimes you need a ground operation, but we have other people who will do it for us,” Trump said.
However, the U.S. president did not identify any country or military force that could carry out such an operation.
His comments come as the United States continues its military pressure on Iran. Trump also warned that U.S. strikes could expand to include critical infrastructure, such as power facilities and bridges, if Tehran does not return to negotiations.
“It will continue until I say it’s enough. Next week we’ll move on to the power grid, then the bridges. We will destroy their power stations and bridges unless they return to the negotiating table,” he said.
During the interview, Trump also referred to Kharg Island, a strategically important part of Iran’s economy because it serves as the main export terminal for the country’s crude oil.
Located in the Persian Gulf about 25 kilometers (16 miles) off Iran’s coast, Kharg Island handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
Trump said that if Iran does not change its course, the United States could seize Kharg Island after first weakening Iran’s military capabilities.
As the United States says it is seeking to safeguard maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has warned that it could close other key shipping routes used to transport oil and natural gas across the region.
