Trump Threatens Massive Military Strikes on Iran Oil Infrastructure

Oil prices surged to over $94 per barrel on June 11, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened “very hard” strikes against Iranian oil infrastructure. According to City AM, Trump indicated the U.S. may seize Kharg Island to assume control of Iran’s oil and gas markets.

Why are oil prices rising?

Brent crude prices increased by approximately $2 following the U.S. president’s social media warnings. Prices peaked just above $94 a barrel before experiencing a slight decline, City AM reports.

Market volatility coincides with reports from Iranian state television of explosions heard near the Strait of Hormuz. The strait remains blocked, further constraining global oil transit.

What is the U.S. targeting in Iran?

President Trump used his Truth Social platform to announce that the U.S. would hit the Iranian regime “very hard” if a peace deal is not reached. He specifically identified Kharg Island, a primary artery for Iranian oil exports, as a potential target for American forces.

Trump compared the proposed strategy to a January operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America.
Donald Trump via Truth Social

How is the UK government responding to the crisis?

The geopolitical tension arrives as the British government faces a leadership vacuum in its defense ministry. John Healey has resigned as defence secretary, leaving the position vacant during the escalation in the Middle East, according to City AM.

Healey submitted a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating that the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) fails to meet the requirements for national security during a period of rising threats.

The former secretary also criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Treasury for refusing to commit the necessary resources to defend the country. This resignation marks a significant blow to Starmer’s authority, as national security had been a primary pillar of his reputational strength.

What are the broader economic implications?

The threat to seize Kharg Island represents a shift toward direct control of foreign energy assets. By targeting “oil infrastructure points,” the U.S. administration aims to manipulate the supply side of the energy market to pressure the Iranian regime.

For the UK, the simultaneous loss of a defence secretary and the rise in energy costs creates a dual fiscal and security pressure. The conflict between the Treasury’s spending limits and the military’s investment needs, as highlighted by Healey, suggests internal instability in the Labour government’s approach to the current global volatility.