Donald Trump has once again turned his attention towards Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic oil export hub, reigniting discussions about the United States’ entitlement to foreign resources. His recent comments, which include plans to seize control of Iranian oil, have drawn sharp criticism from experts who warn this reflects a troubling mindset of “fossil-fuel imperialism” that disregards international law.
A Long-Standing Obsession with Oil
During a recent address, Trump asserted his intention to “take the oil in Iran,” a statement that mirrors sentiments he has expressed for over a decade. Analysts are quick to label this approach as not only reckless but indicative of a broader belief that the U.S. can unilaterally claim resources from other nations. Patrick Bigger, co-director of the Transition Security Project, remarked, “Trump embodies a ‘might-makes-right’ mentality that is both morally reprehensible and fundamentally misguided.”
Trump is expected to provide updates on the ongoing conflict with Iran in the coming days. His declaration that the war could wrap up within weeks has sent stock markets soaring, as investors anticipate a reduction in hostilities. However, Iran has countered that any cessation of its military actions is contingent upon guarantees against future assaults.
Escalating Military Tensions
The situation has escalated, with Iran launching an attack on a crude oil tanker in Dubai on Monday. This follows Trump’s alarming threats to target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the vital Strait of Hormuz is not reopened “immediately.” This strait is critical, as it serves as the conduit for 90% of Iran’s oil exports, predominantly via Kharg Island.
On the previous day, Trump expressed to the Financial Times his desire for U.S. forces to take control of Kharg Island, stating, “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran.” Such remarks have led analysts like Amir Handjani, an energy lawyer, to argue that Trump is undermining the legitimacy of his military objectives. “His comments make it appear as though this war is merely a guise for seizing natural resources,” Handjani stated.
Past Promises and Present Risks
Trump’s fixation on Iranian resources is not new. In a 1988 interview, he suggested that if elected president, he would adopt a hardline stance on Iran, explicitly stating his intent to seize Kharg Island. This historical context reveals a consistent thread in his rhetoric, as he has previously suggested that the U.S. should have taken Iraq’s oil to offset the costs of war and has made similar claims regarding Syria and Venezuela.
Handjani stressed, “Waging war to acquire another nation’s natural resources is illegal under international law.” Any attempt to take Kharg Island would likely provoke severe retaliation from Iran, potentially destabilising the global economy and leading to a dramatic spike in oil prices, which could soar to $200 or even $300 per barrel.
The Broader Implications
The repercussions of this conflict extend beyond geopolitics. The ongoing war has already resulted in substantial casualties and has disrupted global energy supplies at an unprecedented scale. While ordinary citizens are grappling with soaring fuel prices, oil companies—often significant contributors to Trump’s campaigns—are reaping substantial profits from the situation. Bigger noted, “The longer oil prices remain high, the more these companies will benefit.”
The current climate also raises concerns regarding fossil fuel dependence and climate change. Trump’s approach, prioritising immediate resource extraction, may hinder the shift towards sustainable energy sources. Experts warn that his statements reveal a stark disregard for future implications, as he embraces a worldview where control over oil equates to control over global power dynamics.
Why it Matters
Trump’s remarks and intentions signal a dangerous precedent in U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that military force could be employed to seize resources deemed valuable. This mindset not only jeopardises international relations but also undermines the principles of sovereignty and legality that govern interactions between nations. As the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, such aggressive posturing could have dire consequences, both environmentally and politically, shaping the course of global events for years to come.
