Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at NATO allies, branding them “cowards” over their stance on Iran, as reports emerged of additional US Marines heading to the Middle East, fueling speculation of a potential ground operation three weeks into the conflict.
A possible focal point of such an operation is Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub. The White House indicated that the United States could strike the facility at any time if ordered by the president.
According to Axios, the administration is weighing options including a blockade or occupation of the island to pressure Tehran into reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Trump intensified his criticism of NATO for failing to support US efforts to secure the waterway, blaming Iran’s grip on the strait for rising global oil prices.
“So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Without the USA, NATO is a paper tiger!”
Several major powers including Britain, France, Germany, and Japan have expressed readiness to support “appropriate efforts” but have stopped short of making firm commitments.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump insisted the joint US-Israeli operation was progressing successfully. “It’s not even a contest,” he said during an event at the White House.
At the same time, the president signaled openness to diplomacy, though he claimed there was “nobody to talk to” following the deaths of Iran’s top leadership figures, including its former supreme leader.
Rising oil prices have increased pressure on the administration to contain the conflict, amid concerns among Republicans that economic fallout could impact upcoming midterm elections.
Increased military presence
Although Trump has repeatedly said he does not intend to deploy ground troops in Iran, reports suggest a growing US military presence in the region.
The Wall Street Journal reported that between 2,200 and 2,500 US Marines from the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are being positioned nearby. Military officials, however, described the deployments as routine operations at sea.
Earlier reports also indicated that an additional 2,500 Marines had already been sent to the region aboard multiple vessels.
Kharg Island, which handles the bulk of Iran’s crude oil exports, is seen as a strategic target. White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the US military is fully prepared for any potential action.
“The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order,” she said.
US forces reportedly carried out strikes on the island on Friday, with Trump claiming the attacks had “totally obliterated” military targets. He added that energy infrastructure had so far been spared but warned it could be targeted if Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments underscore rising tensions in the region, with the potential for further escalation as both sides weigh military and economic consequences.
AFP
