US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a powerful bombing raid on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, claiming that every military target on the island was destroyed and warned that its vital oil infrastructure could be targeted next. The attacks came hours after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that American forces would conduct the “most intense strikes today” on Iran.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the strike was one of the most powerful military operations carried out in the region.
“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 main oil export hub and a key strategic site in the Gulf. The President said the US deliberately avoided striking the island’s oil infrastructure but warned that 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 said in the post.
“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 Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway each day.
Trump also used the post to highlight the strength of the US military and warn Iran against further escalation.
“Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the world has ever known,” he said, adding that Iran has “no ability to defend anything that we want to attack.”
The US President reiterated Washington’s long-standing position that Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons. “Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the world,” Trump said.
Trump also issued a stark warning to Iran’s military forces, urging them to abandon confrontation. “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.”
The strike comes as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East amid the widening conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Kharg Island, a small coral island located about 33 kilometres off Iran’s coast, is the country’s main oil export terminal and one of its most critical economic assets.
Nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through the island. Since the war began, Iran has exported about 13.7 million barrels of oil, and satellite imagery on Wednesday showed multiple tankers loading crude at the facility, according to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com.
Oil exports provide a significant share of Iran’s revenue, with shipments flowing to buyers including China. Analysts say any strike on Kharg Island could severely damage the country’s finances. Such an attack would not only affect the current government in Tehran but could also undermine the viability of any future government that might emerge.
The island hosts large oil storage tanks and export infrastructure in the south, as well as housing for thousands of workers. The report noted that gazelles roam freely near the refineries and depots, underscoring the unusual landscape surrounding one of Iran’s most valuable assets.
Energy researchers say Kharg Island is central to Iran’s economic survival.
Petras Katinas, an energy researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, told The Associated Press that the island is vital to funding Iran’s government and military. “If Iran were to lose control of Kharg, it would be difficult for the country to function,” Katinas said.
He added that control of the island is critical regardless of who governs Iran.
“It doesn’t matter which regime is in power — new or old,” Katinas said, noting that taking control of Kharg could give the US significant leverage in negotiations with Tehran because the island is “the main node” of its economy.
