Trump Announces US Strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, Warns on Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump announced a major US military strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, destroying all military targets while sparing the island’s oil infrastructure for now. He warned that any interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could prompt further action. Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran’s crude exports, and the US Navy will begin escorting tankers to ensure safe passage amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States military carried out a major attack on Iran’s Kharg Island, calling it “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East.” According to Trump, the military operation successfully destroyed all military targets on the island, which he described as Iran’s “crown jewel.” In his statement on social media, Trump emphasized that he had intentionally spared the island’s oil infrastructure for the time being. However, he warned that if Iran—or any other party—interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider targeting Iran’s energy facilities.
Kharg Island, located roughly 30 kilometres off the Iranian mainland, is a critical hub for the country’s oil exports, handling approximately 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil shipments. The island is about one-third the size of Manhattan, yet its strategic importance is enormous. Experts have noted that any military action against Kharg Island would have immediate and far-reaching consequences, not only for Iran but also for global oil markets.
The Strait of Hormuz itself is one of the world’s most important maritime choke points, with roughly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it annually. Iranian strikes in the region have already disrupted maritime traffic and have affected oil infrastructure in other Gulf states, highlighting the broader impact of the ongoing tensions. The disruption has also contributed to fluctuations in global energy prices, intensifying concerns among countries reliant on oil imports from the region.
President Trump further stated that the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “very soon” to ensure safe passage and stabilize oil exports. This measure aims to protect international shipping lanes and prevent further escalation that could affect global energy supply, while also addressing domestic concerns over rising gasoline prices in the United States.
Historically, Kharg Island has played a central role in Iran’s oil industry. During the 1960s and 1970s, the island underwent significant development to support the country’s oil expansion, particularly because much of Iran’s coastline was too shallow to accommodate supertankers. Its infrastructure and facilities have since made it a cornerstone of Iran’s crude export capabilities.
The announcement underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the US and its allies navigate a complex and volatile security environment. Military operations in such a strategically significant area carry the risk of broader regional conflict, affecting not only Iran but also neighboring Gulf states and global markets. Analysts warn that the situation remains highly unpredictable, with potential for further military action, disruption of energy exports, and heightened geopolitical risks.
By targeting military assets while sparing the oil infrastructure for now, the US appears to be sending a calibrated message to Tehran: aggressive actions, particularly those that threaten the free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, will trigger a swift and forceful response. The move also reflects Washington’s ongoing efforts to protect its strategic and economic interests in the Middle East while attempting to manage the delicate balance between deterrence and escalation.