US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by suggesting that Washington could seize Iran’s oil assets, including the highly strategic Kharg Island, the backbone of Tehran’s crude exports. In an interview, Trump claimed that taking control of Iran’s oil would be “easy,” even comparing the potential move to past US actions in Venezuela. He also dismissed critics back home, calling them “stupid” for questioning such a strategy. Trump further indicated that capturing Kharg Island remains one of several options under consideration, while acknowledging it could require a prolonged US presence on the ground. WATCH

President Donald Trump takes the Capitol stage for a high-stakes State of the Union address where he is expected to defend his immigration crackdown, federal cuts and hardline trade policies. With midterms looming and poll numbers under pressure, the speech could reset the political narrative.