US military building up in the Middle East as Trump looks for offramp in Iran

President Donald Trump said he wanted to take Iran’s oil and suggested US troops could seize the country’s Kharg Island export hub, even as he added in comments published on March 30 that a deal with Tehran to end the war “could be made fairly quickly.” The buildup has since been confirmed by the New York Times, who says hundreds of commandos have arrived…

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• President Donald Trump said he wanted to take Iran’s oil and suggested US troops could seize the country’s Kharg Island export hub, even as he added in comments published on March 30 that a deal…
• Iran has dismissed the talks, saying they were a cover to get more US troops in the area.
• FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert tells us more.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• Iran has dismissed the talks, saying they were a cover to get more US troops in the area.
• FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert tells us more.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert tells us more.
• President Donald Trump said he wanted to take Iran’s oil and suggested US troops could seize the country’s Kharg Island export hub, even as he added in comments published on March 30 that a deal…
• Iran has dismissed the talks, saying they were a cover to get more US troops in the area.