Trump Says US Could Take Iranian Oil and Seize Kharg Island as Houthis Enter Conflict

Washington / Dubai, March 30, 2026-

United States President Donald Trump signalled on March 30, 2026 that the US could move to seize Iranian oil assets and potentially take control of Kharg Island, Iran's primary crude export terminal, as Houthi forces entered the regional conflict. The remarks, which carry significant implications for global energy markets, were reported by CNBC Arabia and corroborated by regional newswires.

Trump's Remarks and Their Market Impact

Speaking at a White House event, President Trump stated that the United States "could take" Iranian oil and referred to the possibility of seizing Kharg Island, through which an estimated 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports pass. The comments immediately sent ripples through energy trading desks globally, pushing Brent crude futures higher in intraday trading. Market participants noted that any disruption to Kharg Island operations would represent one of the most significant supply shocks in modern oil market history, given the facility's throughput capacity of approximately 6 million barrels per day.

Houthi Escalation Adds Complexity

The remarks came as Houthi forces from Yemen announced their entry into the broader regional conflict, adding a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea shipping lanes. The Houthis have previously demonstrated their capacity to disrupt maritime traffic, and their involvement raises the risk profile for tanker insurance, already at elevated levels. Lloyd's of London war risk premiums for vessels transiting the region have climbed sharply in recent sessions, according to industry sources.

GCC Economies Navigate Uncertainty

Gulf Cooperation Council member states find themselves in a complex position: as major oil exporters, elevated prices bolster government revenues and sovereign wealth fund inflows. However, the prospect of direct conflict escalation near their shores raises concerns around infrastructure safety, foreign direct investment flows, and the broader stability of the regional financial system. Saudi Arabia's Tadawul, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the Dubai Financial Market have all experienced heightened volatility in recent sessions as investors weigh these competing dynamics.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

EcoPulse24 analysts note that President Trump's comments on seizing Iranian oil assets and Kharg Island represent a significant escalatory signal, whether or not they reflect imminent operational intent. The combination of Houthi entry into the conflict and US rhetoric targeting Iran's key energy infrastructure creates a scenario in which the risk premium embedded in crude prices could remain elevated for an extended period. For regional and global investors, the coming days will be critical in determining whether these remarks translate into concrete policy actions or serve primarily as negotiating leverage.