Trump Threatens Strike on Iran’s Kharg Island Oil Hub

Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike oil infrastructure on Kharg Island if Iran does not halt attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media post, the U.S. president said American forces had already «totally obliterated» military targets on the island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports and lies roughly 500 kilometres northwest of the strait. However he said the oil facilities themselves had not been targeted.

Trump warned that decision could change if Iran or any other actor interfered with what he called the free and safe passage of ships through the key waterway.

Iran rejects pressure

Trump also claimed Iran was unable to defend itself against U.S. strikes and urged the country’s military to stand down.

However Iranian officials signalled no intention of backing down. According to Iranian media, the country’s armed forces said any attack on its energy infrastructure would trigger strikes on facilities belonging to companies cooperating with the United States in the region.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that more than 15 explosions were heard on Kharg Island during the attacks. Sources said air defence systems, a naval base and airport facilities were hit but the oil infrastructure remained intact.

Markets watch for supply disruption

Energy markets are closely monitoring the situation because Kharg Island plays a central role in Iran’s oil exports. Even limited damage to pipelines, terminals or storage facilities could further disrupt global supplies.

The war began on February 28 with major U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and has since expanded across the region, affecting energy markets and global financial stability.