U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that U.S. forces struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a strategically vital hub that accounts for around 90% of the country's crude exports. Trump wrote on Truth Social that U.S. 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 strikes came as part of the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. The strikes destroyed more than 90 military targets, including missile facilities, but preserved oil infrastructure, according to U.S. Central Command. Iran's Fars news agency reported more than 15 explosions on Kharg island, with attacks targeting air defenses, a naval base, and airport facilities.
The five-mile-long coral island is located about 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran in the northern Persian Gulf and serves as the loading point for roughly 90-95% of Iran's crude exports. Trump said he "chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island" but warned that if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, he would "immediately reconsider this decision".
Iran responded with threats of retaliation. Tehran threatened to reduce U.S.-linked oil facilities to a "pile of ashes" if oil structures on the island are attacked. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps informed the UAE that U.S. "hideouts" are "legitimate targets" following the Kharg island strikes. Since the conflict began on February 28, at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
