1. Announces Bombing of Kharg Island, Iran's Oil Export Hub
—Trump stated on the 13th that the U.S. Central Command, acting on his orders, bombed Kharg Island, Iran's oil export hub, completely destroying all military targets on the island. Trump claimed he did not choose to destroy the island's oil infrastructure. However, he threatened that if Iran or any other country interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz in any way, he would immediately reconsider the decision.
2. Refuses to Discuss Seizure of Kharg Island
—In an interview on the 13th, Trump refused to answer questions about whether the U.S. was attempting to seize Kharg Island, Iran's oil export hub, stating that seizing Kharg Island was "not a priority." Trump reiterated in the interview that the U.S. military would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. He also stated that the focus was not currently on acquiring Iranian uranium, but that this might be done sooner or later.
3. Claims Heavy Airstrikes Against Iran Next Week—U.S. President Trump stated that the U.S. military will launch "heavy airstrikes" against Iran next week. Regarding defense against Iranian drones, the U.S. does not need Ukraine's anti-drone technology assistance.
4. Easing Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil and Fertilizer – Due to rising prices of Venezuelan fertilizer and oil caused by the Iran war, the U.S. Treasury Department on Friday streamlined the process for U.S. businesses and farmers to purchase Venezuelan fertilizer and oil.
5. Says U.S. Will Escort Ships If Necessary
—Trump stated that the U.S. would escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, but he also expressed hope that the U.S.-led war operation would proceed smoothly and vowed to launch a “very strong strike against Iran in the coming week.”
6. Acknowledging Differences in Goals to End the War
—Trump acknowledged that the U.S. and Israel differ on the issue of “ending the current war.” When asked “how long this war might last,” Trump said he “couldn’t tell reporters,” but “it will continue as long as necessary.”
7. Deploying Marine Expeditionary Force to the Middle East
—Two U.S. officials stated that as Iran intensifies its attacks on the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Department of Defense is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Force to the Middle East. Some analysts suggest that the deployment of the Marine Expeditionary Force to the Middle East could allow the U.S. to seize Kharg Island.
8. Rejects Putin's Proposal to Transfer Iranian Uranium to Russia
—During a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump rejected a proposal to transfer Iranian enriched uranium to Russia to facilitate a swift end to the war. A US official stated that this was not the first time Russia had made this proposal, but the US had consistently refused.
9. Claims Close Monitoring of Iranians in the US
—Trump stated that, amid the war with Iran and concerns about potential domestic terrorism threats, the US is "monitoring" Iranians residing in the country. In a Fox News interview aired on Friday, Trump said, "We're watching them very, very closely. They're all under our surveillance right now."
10. Initiates US Oil Reserve Release Process
—The Trump administration has initiated a large-scale release of the US emergency oil reserves, issuing a request to exchange 86 million barrels of crude oil. The US Department of Energy stated in a statement that, as part of the 172 million barrel release plan announced Wednesday, oil drawn from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is expected to begin flowing into the market by the end of next week. 11. Believes Iranian leaders are still alive – US President Trump: I believe the Iranian leaders are alive, just “injured.”
12. Claims economic recovery will follow the end of the Iran war – US President Trump: The economy will rebound immediately once the Iran war ends.
13. Indicates US is in contact with Cuba – White House officials say Trump stated the US is in contact with Cuba and that the Cuban leadership should reach an agreement, which he believes is “easily achievable.”
14. Believes Iranian people are unlikely to rise up against the regime in the short term – Trump stated that Iranian people are unlikely to rise up against the regime in the short term. This is a very difficult obstacle to overcome for those without weapons.
15. Criticizes media's reluctance to report on the US military's outstanding performance
— US President Trump: The fake news media hates reporting on the US military's outstanding performance in confronting Iran, which has been completely defeated and wants an agreement—but this is not an agreement I will accept!
