US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a major bombing raid on Kharg Island, claiming that all military targets on the strategic island were destroyed while warning that its vital oil infrastructure could be targeted if tensions escalate further.
The strike came hours after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces would launch their “most intense strikes” against Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was carried out by the United States Central Command and described it as one of the most powerful bombing raids ever conducted in the Middle East.
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every military target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump said.
Kharg Island is Iran’s primary oil export hub and one of its most important strategic assets in the Persian Gulf. Trump said the United States deliberately avoided targeting the island’s oil infrastructure but warned that the decision could change if Iran disrupts shipping in the region.
“For reasons of decency, I have chosen not to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island,” Trump wrote. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with around one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway every day. Trump also warned Iran against further escalation, highlighting the strength of the US military and reiterating Washington’s position that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
The strike comes amid rising tensions across the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Why Kharg Island matters
Located about 33 kilometres off Iran’s southern coast, Kharg Island is the country’s main oil export terminal and a key pillar of its economy.
Nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through the facility. Since the conflict escalated, Iran has exported around 13.7 million barrels of oil, with satellite imagery showing several tankers loading crude at the terminal, according to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com.
Oil exports account for a major share of Iran’s national revenue, with shipments flowing to buyers including China. Analysts say that any attack on Kharg Island’s export infrastructure could deal a severe blow to Iran’s finances.
Energy researcher Petras Katinas of the Royal United Services Institute said the island is central to Iran’s economic survival, noting that control of the facility is crucial regardless of which government is in power in Tehran because it serves as the main hub of the country’s oil export system.
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