Trump Vows to Hit Iran 'Very Hard' Tonight, Eyes Venezuela-Style Control of Oil Assets

New Delhi, June 11: US President Donald J. Trump on Thursday announced that the United States will be hitting Iran "very hard" tonight. He said the defence system of Iran, including navy, air force and anti aircraft, have been dismantled already. Trump further revealed his intention of taking control over Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure of Iran and build a system like Venezuela.

"The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT," he said.

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," he added.

Trump said the US would hit Iran "very hard" and indicated plans to take control of strategic oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island.

The post came as the United States and Iran exchanged strikes for a second consecutive day, pushing the Middle East closer to the prospect of a renewed full-scale conflict. The American assault, which continued into Thursday morning in Iran, appeared broader and more intense than the previous day's operation.

Iran released limited details about the extent of the damage but said it had retaliated by launching strikes at Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, following similar attacks a day earlier.

Meanwhile, the US military maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, stating on Thursday that it had fired missiles to disable a tanker allegedly attempting to transport Iranian oil.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a public appearance. (Representative Image, Source: White House)

Trump's Control Over Venezuela

Since early 2026, President Donald Trump has claimed significant influence over Venezuela following a US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has sought to reshape Venezuela's oil sector, tighten control over oil exports, and increase the role of American companies in the country's energy industry.

Trump has argued that these measures are aimed at stabilising Venezuela, curbing drug trafficking, and reducing the influence of China, Russia and Iran in the region. However, critics contend that the policy amounts to excessive US interference in Venezuela's sovereignty and raises concerns about control over the country's vast oil reserves.