United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out a major bombing raid on Kharg Island, claiming that military targets on the strategic island were “totally obliterated” during the operation.
In a statement posted on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the strikes were conducted under his directive by United States Central Command as part of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“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,” the president wrote.
Kharg Island is located roughly 16 miles off Iran’s southern coast in the Persian Gulf and serves as the primary export terminal for Iranian crude oil. The island, which is about one-third the size of Manhattan, reportedly handles around 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it one of the most strategically important energy hubs in the country.
According to Trump, the airstrikes specifically targeted military installations on the island and avoided its oil export infrastructure. He said the decision was made deliberately despite the island’s critical role in Iran’s economy.
“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.
However, the president warned that the United States could reconsider this decision if Iran interferes with international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
“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,” Trump warned in his statement.
The strikes are part of the broader military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, which has intensified over the past two weeks amid escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Until the latest attack, Kharg Island had largely avoided direct damage during the conflict. Reports had suggested that Iran continued exporting oil from the facility despite ongoing military tensions in the region.
Strategic analysts say the island plays a critical role in Iran’s economic stability and military funding. Some experts believe that targeting or seizing Kharg Island could significantly weaken Iran’s financial capacity.
Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said disrupting the island’s operations could create serious consequences for Iran.
“Take it out, and this means cutting off the military budget in addition to pulling the plug on the basic services that keep Iranian society functioning,” Soliman said.
He added that even a temporary loss of control over Kharg Island could trigger both security and economic crises inside Iran.
“Losing Kharg for even a few weeks will create a security and societal crisis in Iran at the same time. Tehran doesn’t get to choose which one to deal with first,” Soliman said.
Another analyst, former US administration official John Ullyot, also suggested that gaining control of the island and its oil infrastructure could significantly weaken Iran’s leadership.
According to Ullyot, capturing the island would “cripple the regime” by cutting off a major source of national revenue.
Despite such assessments, President Trump appeared to downplay the possibility of attempting to seize Kharg Island during an interview with Brian Kilmeade on Fox News.
During the interview, Trump suggested that while the island remains strategically important, it is not necessarily a priority objective for US forces.
“It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds,” the president said.
Trump also declined to discuss specific military plans regarding potential operations against the island, saying it would be inappropriate to reveal such information publicly.
“Let’s say I was going to do it, or let’s say I wasn’t going to do it. What would I tell you? ‘Oh yes, Brian, I’m thinking about doing it, let me let you know what time and when it’ll take place,’” he said.
Kharg Island’s importance extends far beyond military considerations. As Iran’s primary oil export terminal, it plays a central role in the country’s economy and energy sector. Tankers regularly load crude oil at the island’s facilities before transporting it to markets across Asia, Europe and other regions.
Any sustained disruption to the island’s operations could significantly affect global oil markets and energy supply chains, particularly if tensions in the region continue to escalate.
The latest strikes also come amid heightened security concerns in the Persian Gulf, where several incidents involving commercial vessels have been reported near the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.
International observers warn that continued military escalation between Iran and Western powers could threaten one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, potentially affecting global oil prices and maritime security.
For now, the situation around Kharg Island remains fluid as military operations and diplomatic tensions continue to evolve in the region.
