In a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States launched powerful bombing raids on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island late Friday.
President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out what he described as one of the "most powerful bombing" operations ever conducted in the region. Trump said that the strikes “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island, which he referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” marking a dramatic intensification of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
The operation targeted Iranian military facilities on Kharg Island, a crucial oil export terminal located in the Persian Gulf. The strikes come as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged that it will not allow “a litre of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz as the closure of the key Gulf waterway continues to roil global energy markets during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
President Donald Trump revealed the strike in a post on the platform Truth Social, saying that at his 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."
He further stated, "Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the world has ever known, but for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island."
Trump said U.S. forces had “completely destroyed” the military targets that were struck and warned Iran that Washington would not hesitate to carry out additional attacks if Tehran continues threatening international shipping routes.
Trump also warned that the decision could change if Iran interferes with shipping routes, saying, "However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."
The president also claimed Iran lacks the capability to defend itself from US strikes if tensions escalate further. He urged Iran’s military and its allies to “stand down,” suggesting that continued confrontation could lead to even more severe consequences.
Highlighting U.S. military strength, he added, "During my first term, and currently, I rebuilt our military into the most lethal, powerful, and effective force anywhere in the world. Iran has no ability to defend anything that we want to attack. There is nothing they can do about it."
Reiterating his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Trump said, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East, or the world."
He also issued a warning to Iran’s leadership and military, stating, "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."
Concluding his remarks, Trump claimed, "Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East and completely obliterating Israel. Just like Iran itself, those plans are now dead."
While the airstrikes focused on military installations, Trump signaled that Iran’s energy infrastructure could become a future target if Tehran continues restricting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes targeted missile storage sites, naval mine depots and other military assets believed to be linked to Iran’s strategy of threatening commercial vessels traveling through the Gulf.
Iran’s armed forces warned that any attack on Iran’s oil facilities would trigger retaliation against energy infrastructure belonging to companies cooperating with the United States in the region.
Kharg Island is widely regarded as the backbone of Iran’s oil export system. Located in the northern Persian Gulf, the island serves as the country’s primary oil terminal and historically handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude shipments.
Iranian state-linked media reported that more than a dozen explosions were heard across the island during the US attack. Early reports suggested the strikes targeted air-defense systems, a naval base and airport facilities.
The strike comes during a period of extreme volatility in global energy markets.
Oil prices have surged dramatically since the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran began nearly two weeks ago. The international benchmark price for crude climbed above $100 per barrel, marking a sharp increase of more than 40 percent since the start of the war.
Shipping activity through the strait has already slowed significantly as tanker operators weigh the risks of entering the region.
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