India, March 15 -- Donald Trump warned of further US strikes on Kharg Island and called on allied nations to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with Iran intensified and the conflict entered its third week.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump claimed US strikes had "totally demolished" much of Kharg Island and suggested more attacks could follow.

The remarks signaled an escalation from earlier statements in which Trump said the United States had targeted only military facilities on the island.

Sources told Reuters the Trump administration had already rejected attempts by Middle Eastern allies to launch negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Rising risk around the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's ability to disrup...