Trump Claims Major Bombing Raid on Iran’s Kharg Island

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has conducted what he referred to as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East.” He stated that the U.S. military has “completely obliterated all military targets” on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil export hub. In a warning to Iran, he mentioned that its critical energy infrastructure could be targeted if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump elaborated on the operation, claiming that U.S. Central Command executed the attack under his directive and highlighted that military targets were destroyed while leaving oil infrastructure intact for the time being.

“Just moments ago, at my direction, U.S. Central Command conducted one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, completely obliterating all military targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote.

He justified the decision not to target the island’s oil facilities, for now, by saying, “Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated the world has ever known, but common sense has led us to choose not to wipe out the island’s oil infrastructure.” However, he also noted that if Iran or anyone else disrupts shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider.

Trump took the opportunity to emphasize the military superiority of the United States, mentioning the modernization of the U.S. military during his presidency. He stated, “I have rebuilt our military into by far the most lethal, powerful, and effective force anywhere in the world.” He declared that Iran has no capability to defend against U.S. attacks.

He reiterated that Iran “will never possess nuclear weapons” and urged Iranian officials to abandon their fight. “The Iranian military would be wise to lay down their weapons and save what is left of their country,” he added, perhaps with a hint of sarcasm.

The attack targeted a crucial part of Iran’s economy. Kharg Island, situated about 25 miles off Iran’s southern coast, accounts for approximately 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, making it both a vital income source and a strategic vulnerability.

Analysts view the island as leverage for Washington as tensions escalate and Iran threatens shipping routes. A report indicated that controlling Kharg could significantly weaken the Iranian regime’s financial stability.

Former Trump administration official John Ullyot commented that removing a significant portion of Iran’s oil supply from the market would have a paralyzing effect on the regime. He suggested that control of the island could yield substantial influence over Tehran’s current leaders and any future government, proposing that a naval blockade could achieve strategic advantages without deploying U.S. ground forces.

Another report highlighted that oil exports contribute to about 40% of Iran’s government budget. White House energy adviser Jarrod Agen mentioned that the goal is to remove Iran’s energy resources from terrorist control.

Friday’s strike coincided with Trump’s assertion that the conflict might continue indefinitely. He noted that he couldn’t provide an ending date, saying, “It’s going to last as long as it takes,” while claiming that Iran has already been “destroyed” and that the U.S. now wields unprecedented control.

The comments came in the wake of increasing threats from Iranian leaders. Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, indicated that the country would continue to leverage the Strait of Hormuz against the U.S. Meanwhile, Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Berger Ghalibaf warned that any invasion would result in severe consequences for American forces.

As tensions flared, U.S. military operations appeared to be expanding. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. will launch its “largest-ever strike” against Iran, focusing on the regime’s ability to threaten maritime safety and regional stability. Additionally, the Department of Defense has deployed the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to enhance operational options amid the escalating situation around Kharg Island.