On March 14, 2026, smoke rises from the direction of an energy facility in Fujairah, a Gulf emirate. Smoke was seen rising from the direction of a major energy facility in the UAE on March 14, in what appears to be the latest attack to target oil facilities in the Gulf, hours after the US attacked Iran’s Kharg Island.
– | AFP | Getty Images
As fighting in the Middle East continues into its fifth week, US President Donald Trump has said the United States could “take Iran’s oil” and seize Iran’s export hub of Kharg Island.
“My preference is to get the oil,” Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday, comparing it to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela earlier this year in which the United States effectively gained control of the Latin American country’s oil industry following the detention of that country’s leader, Nicolas Maduro.
According to Reuters, the Trump administration is considering sending ground forces to Kharg Island, with one administration official warning that such an operation would be “very dangerous.” Tehran has the ability to reach the island with missiles and drones.
In an interview with the FT, President Trump said, “My favorite thing to do is get oil from Iran, but some stupid people back in the United States say, ‘Why would you do that?'” But they are stupid people. ”
“We may or may not take Kharg Island. We have many options,” Trump said. “It would also mean we would have to be there (Kharg Island) for a while.”
The White House and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.
President Trump’s comments come as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran enters its fifth week, with attacks spreading across the region, increasing risks to energy and infrastructure and a rising death toll. crude oil Prices are rising.
International benchmark Brent crude oil futures for May contract rose 2.92% in early Asian time to $115.86 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures rose 3.20% to $102.80 a barrel.
The Washington Post reported Saturday night that the Pentagon is preparing for a possible weeks-long ground war in Iran as thousands of U.S. troops arrive in the region. About 3,500 troops arrived in the area on Friday. Thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also been ordered to support the war effort.
In a sign of further escalation, critical infrastructure in the region is under attack. Kuwait announced in a social media post on Monday morning that Sunday night’s attack damaged a service building at a power generation and desalination plant and killed one worker.
The country said the facility was targeted as part of Iran’s invasion of Kuwait. According to the Ministry of Power, the deceased worker was an Indian national.
Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to limit damage and maintain operations, and authorities worked with security agencies to ensure the safety of the scene. In a statement, officials said Kuwait’s electricity and water systems remain stable and contingency plans have been activated to ensure continued supply.
The Gulf Coast Desalination Plant supplies most of the region’s drinking water, making it critical infrastructure and a sensitive target if things go wrong.
The Houthis, allied with Iran, have also joined the conflict and fired missiles at Israel. “Yemeni forces have carried out their first military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting important Israeli military installations,” Houthi spokesman Yahya Salih said in a post on X.
—CNBC’s Lee Ying Shan and Azhar Sukri contributed to this report.
