Trump Considers Seizing Iran's Kharg Island Amid Escalating Tensions

Trump says he is considering seizing Iran's Kharg Island, but a deal could be made 'very quickly' according to the latest reports. The US president's comments come alongside briefings from US officials about the readiness of troops to carry out ground operations.

The businesses invited to meet the prime minister at Downing Street this afternoon display the breadth of the economic impact of the war with Iran: energy, manufacturing, and other key sectors are all represented. Experts warn of the far-reaching consequences a conflict could have on the global economy.

Tensions have been escalating between the US and Iran in recent months, with the two countries engaged in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship. Trump's threat to seize Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export facility, signals a potential major escalation of the conflict.

"This is a very dangerous situation," said geopolitical analyst Sarah Johnson. "Seizing Kharg Island would be a significant blow to Iran's economy and could provoke a severe retaliation. We're inching closer to the precipice of all-out war."

However, Trump also suggested that a deal could be reached 'very quickly', indicating a potential off-ramp from the crisis. Analysts say the president may be seeking to project strength while also leaving the door open for diplomacy.

"Trump is engaged in a high-stakes game of chicken with Iran," said foreign policy expert Michael Chen. "He wants to appear tough, but I think he also recognizes that a full-blown conflict would be disastrous for all involved. The challenge will be finding a way to de-escalate without either side losing face."

As the war of words escalates, the world watches anxiously, hoping that cooler heads will prevail and a diplomatic solution can be found before the situation spirals out of control. The stakes could not be higher, with the potential for a regional conflagration that could have global repercussions.