U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday that President Donald Trump is not ruling out any options as the United States continues military operations against Iran.
Speaking during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Waltz made clear that the administration is prepared to escalate if Iran continues threatening shipping routes in the region.
Waltz addressed recent U.S. strikes targeting infrastructure near Kharg Island, one of Iran’s most critical strategic locations.
The island serves as Iran’s primary oil export hub and plays a major role in the country’s ability to move crude oil to global markets.
Host Jake Tapper noted that the recent strikes appeared to target only military facilities rather than oil production infrastructure.
Tapper asked whether Trump would consider targeting those oil facilities if Iran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Well President Trump’s not going to take any options off the table,” Waltz said.
He explained that the president deliberately limited the initial strikes to military targets.
“President Trump pointed out in his Truth post when he announced the military infrastructure strikes on Kharg that he deliberately hit the military infrastructure only — for now,” Waltz said.
Waltz added that the administration wants to maintain the ability to escalate if Iran continues threatening global shipping.
“I would certainly think he would maintain that optionality if he wants to take down their energy infrastructure,” Waltz said.
TAPPER: Is President Trump prepared to target those oil facilities on Kharg Island?
UN AMB. MIKE WALTZ: “Well President Trump’s not going to take any options off the table… I would certainly think he would maintain that optionality if he wants to take down their energy… pic.twitter.com/EIonYFHELY
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) March 15, 2026
Kharg Island handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it a critical piece of the country’s economy.
Strikes on the island’s oil facilities could significantly disrupt Iran’s revenue and ability to finance military operations.
Waltz said the regime has used assets based around the island to threaten international shipping through the Persian Gulf.
Those assets include fast attack boats, drones, and other systems used to harass or target commercial vessels.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to close or disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy chokepoints in the world.
Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply flows through the narrow waterway.
Waltz warned that allowing Iran to maintain those capabilities would pose a serious threat to global security.
He argued that Iran’s leadership has used those tools to try to control shipping lanes and pressure other nations.
President Trump said Friday that the United States initially limited strikes to military targets.
However, he warned that additional action could follow if Iran continues attacking or threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The administration has repeatedly stated that its objective is to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten the United States, Israel, or allied nations.
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