US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a major airstrike on military targets on Kharg Island, claiming the operation destroyed Iranian military infrastructure while deliberately avoiding the island’s oil facilities.
Trump announced the strike late Friday in a post on the social media platform Truth Social, describing it as one of the most powerful bombing operations carried out in the region.
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"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.
Oil infrastructure deliberately spared
Kharg Island is the main hub for Iran’s crude exports and a crucial part of the country’s energy sector. Much of Tehran’s oil shipments pass through facilities located on the island in the Persian Gulf.
Trump said the United States had the capability to destroy the energy infrastructure on the island but chose not to do so.
“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,” he said. The US president also warned that the decision could change if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important global oil transit corridors.
"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," Trump wrote.
US reinforces military presence
The strike comes amid escalating tensions in the region following weeks of hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
A US official said about 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East as part of a broader military reinforcement. The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian targets after stalled nuclear negotiations and allegations that Tehran had resumed nuclear activities.
Since then, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US interests across the Gulf region.
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Rising tensions across the region
The situation in the region has remained tense as Iran warned it could restrict movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes.
Separately, a large explosion was reported in a central square in Tehran, where thousands had gathered for a state-organised rally. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The growing military exchanges between Iran, Israel and the United States have raised concerns about wider instability across the Gulf and potential disruptions to global energy markets.
