---
title: "Trump considers seizing Iranian islands and striking nuclear facilities: conflict escalation"
description: "Trump is considering seizing Harg Island and striking Iranian nuclear facilities due to Tehran's refusal to capitulate. 🇺🇸🇮🇷 Diplomacy has failed, and the US is preparing for a new phase of the conflict, which threatens to raise oil prices. 🛢️📉"
date: 2026-07-16T00:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/trump-considers-seizing-iranian-islands-and-striking-nuclear-facilities-conflict-escalation
tags: [donald-trump, iran, us-military, ormuz-strait, nuclear-weapon]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Trump considers seizing Iranian islands and striking nuclear facilities: conflict escalation

![Donald Trump in a blue suit and red tie, seated at a desk with a microphone, with the US flag and a painting in the background](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/tramp-rassmatrivaet-zahvat-iranskikh-ostrovov-i-udary-po-yadernym-obektam/tramp-rassmatrivaet-zahvat-iranskikh-ostrovov-i-udary-po-yadernym-obektam-1.webp)

A critical moment is brewing in Washington regarding relations with Tehran. US President Donald Trump is leaning towards a radical expansion of military operations in Iran. This decision is the result of a series of intensive briefings involving high-ranking officials that took place over the last few days.

### Plans to seize territories and strike infrastructure

According to sources from The Wall Street Journal, scenarios are being discussed that could radically change the course of the conflict. On the evening of July 14, a closed-door meeting was held at the White House Situation Room, where options for seizing strategically important territories were considered.

Specifically, there was talk of a possible military seizure of Harg Island and other areas along the Strait of Hormuz. This step would allow the US to take control of key maritime routes through which Iran exports oil.

In addition to ground operations, the possibility of airstrikes on previously untargeted sites was discussed. The priority list includes the tunnel complex on Mount Pikaks, which, according to intelligence, is linked to Iran's nuclear program. The possibility of striking the country's energy facilities is also being considered.

### Diplomatic deadlock and refusal to capitulate

The cause of the escalation was the failure of diplomatic efforts. Despite several weeks of military strikes, Tehran has not made concessions. Iran rejected Trump's demands to hand over its nuclear arsenal and refused a temporary deal that would have allowed the country to legally sell oil on the global market.

In response to this deadlock, the US President demanded that his advisors prepare new escalation options. The goal is to force Iran to capitulate or, at a minimum, guarantee the cessation of attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

### Caution and risks

Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision. Officials note that the president is reluctant to consider the option of using ground troops. Previously, he has repeatedly backed down from his public threats, including plans to seize Iran's oil industry.

However, if plans to expand the war are approved, the conflict will enter its most dangerous phase. This will draw the US even deeper into the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, which will inevitably lead to rising energy prices and create serious problems for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

Recall that on July 10, the US President officially notified Congress of the resumption of hostilities in Iran. Following this, Washington announced the restoration of the blockade of Iranian ports and the intention to take control of the Strait of Hormuz.