US bombs Iran’s Kharg Island in massive raid, Trump warns oil hub could be next

US President Donald Trump on March 14 said that American forces carried out a massive bombing raid on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, claiming that every military target on the island was destroyed and warning that its critical oil infrastructure could be attacked if Tehran escalates the conflict.

The strike came hours after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces were preparing for the “most intense strikes” on Iran.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump described the operation as one of the most powerful military attacks ever conducted 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 critical strategic asset in the Gulf. Trump said the US deliberately avoided striking the island’s oil facilities but warned that restraint could end if Iran threatens shipping in the region.

“For reasons of decency, I have chosen not to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island,” he wrote. “However, 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.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with nearly a fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway each day.

Trump also used the message to highlight US military strength and issue a warning to Tehran.

“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 Iran must never acquire 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 the world,” Trump said.

He also urged Iran’s military to avoid further 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.”

The strike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to widen.

Why Kharg Island matters in the Iran conflict

Kharg Island, a small coral island located about 33 kilometres off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, is the country’s primary oil export terminal and one of its most valuable economic assets.

Nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through the island. Since the conflict began, Iran has exported around 13.7 million barrels of oil, with satellite imagery showing multiple tankers loading crude at the facility, according to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com.

Oil exports form a major pillar of Iran’s revenue, with shipments flowing to key buyers including China. Analysts say any sustained attack on Kharg Island could severely damage Iran’s finances and disrupt global energy markets.

The island hosts extensive oil storage tanks and export terminals in the south, along with housing facilities for thousands of workers.

Energy experts say control of the island is central to Iran’s economic survival.

Petras Katinas, an energy researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, told The Associated Press that Kharg Island is crucial for 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 would remain critical regardless of who governs Iran.

“It doesn’t matter which regime is in power — new or old,” he said, noting that control of Kharg could give the United States major leverage in negotiations with Tehran because the island is “the main node” of Iran’s economy.