US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) had conducted large-scale bombings on Iran’s Kharg Island, destroying all military targets. Trump further warned that the US might target Iran’s oil infrastructure on the island if Iran continues its attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island, often referred to as Iran's "Crown Jewel", serves as the main export terminal for 90% of the country's oil shipments. The island is 16 miles (26 km) from Iran's coast, about 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continued to export crude oil while other producers in the Gulf halted their shipments due to fear of Iranian attacks.
"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 wrote on Truth Social.
Trump said he chose not to strike the island’s oil infrastructure at the time, but warned that he would reconsider the decision if Iran or any other party interfered with the "free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz."
"Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack --There is nothing they can do about it!" Trump added, reaffirming that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons or pose a threat to the US or the Middle East.
"Iran's Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what's left of their country, which isn't much!" he added.
In response, Iran’s armed forces declared that any attack on the country's oil and energy infrastructure would be met with counterattacks targeting the energy infrastructure of oil companies cooperating with the United States in the region.
According to reports, Trump’s warning and Iran’s counter threat could further roil markets already dealing with what the International Energy Agency has called the biggest oil supply disruption in history.