Trump says US has 'options' on Kharg Island, including takeover

US President Donald Trump said he would consider seizing Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, while suggesting a diplomatic agreement with Tehran could still be reached, according to remarks in an interview with the Financial Times.

"To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: 'Why are you doing that?' But they're stupid people," Trump said, addressing criticism of the idea, says CNN.

He also raised the possibility of targeting Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub. "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options," he said.

Trump said such a move would likely require a sustained US presence. "It would also mean we had to be there [in Kharg Island] for a while," he said, adding that he believed Iran's defences on the island were limited. "I don't think they have any defence. We could take it very easily."

His comments come as Washington has increased its military presence in the Middle East, with 3,500 additional US troops deployed amid concerns over potential Iranian attacks and a broader regional escalation.

Despite his remarks on Iran's oil infrastructure, Trump pointed to ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying indirect talks with Iran via Pakistani emissaries were continuing. "A deal could be made fairly quickly," he said.