U.S. strikes military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, warns of broader action if shipping disrupted
Washington_Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export hub, warning Tehran that Washington could target its oil infrastructure if attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy transit.
In a social media post, Trump said U.S. forces had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island while deliberately leaving oil export infrastructure intact. Kharg Island, located about 16 miles (26 km) off Iran’s coast, handles roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
The president said the decision not to strike oil facilities could be reconsidered if Iran or other actors interfere with the “Free and Safe Passage of Ships” through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply moves.
Iran has been attacking vessels in the waterway during the conflict, halting most commercial shipping traffic and intensifying volatility in energy markets.
Kharg Island lies roughly 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz and serves as Iran’s principal crude export terminal. Satellite imagery reviewed by tanker monitoring service TankerTrackers.com showed multiple very large crude carriers loading at the island earlier this week.
Despite escalating military tensions in the Gulf, Iran has continued shipping crude from Kharg. Between Feb. 28, when the conflict began, and Wednesday, exports ranged between 1.1 million and 1.5 million barrels per day.
Other Gulf producers have temporarily halted shipments because of security concerns linked to Iranian attacks on shipping routes.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump declined to provide a timeline for the conflict’s conclusion.
“I can’t tell you that,” the president said. “I mean, I have my own idea, but what good does it do? It’ll be as long as it’s necessary.
”Oil markets have fluctuated sharply in recent days as investors reacted to shifting signals from Washington about the duration and scope of the conflict.
The United States is sending additional military forces to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate around the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also said Iran had “no ability to defend against U.S. attacks,” urging Iranian forces to lay down their arms.
The confrontation has raised concerns among energy analysts and governments about the risk of a prolonged disruption to global oil supply, with the International Energy Agency previously warning that the conflict could trigger one of the largest supply shocks in modern energy markets.
