Trump Announces Airstrikes on Iran’s Kharg Island

On Friday, President Trump declared that U.S. airstrikes had “completely destroyed” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key site for the country’s oil exports.

He stated, “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 annihilating all military targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”

Kharg Island, situated about 26 miles from Iran’s coast, is approximately one-third the size of Manhattan and is responsible for 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports.

Trump noted that the oil infrastructure was not targeted this time, but he hinted that future strikes could occur if the Iranian regime interferes with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated the world has ever known, but to be sensible, I decided not to wipe out the island’s oil infrastructure,” he remarked. However, he warned, “If Iran, or anyone else, disrupts the free and safe passage of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

The conflict, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” had left Kharg Island untouched until the recent airstrike, despite reports that Iran was exporting more fuel than before the conflict began.

There’s speculation that both the U.S. and Israel may want to capture Kharg at some point during the war.

Experts believe that taking control of the island could create severe challenges for Iran. Mohamed Soliman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, explained, “Abolishing it would mean cutting the military budget in addition to cutting off the basic services that keep Iranian society functioning.” He mentioned that losing Kharg, even temporarily, could trigger a security and social crisis in Iran.

Former administration official John Ullyott echoed this sentiment, suggesting that seizing the island and its oil facilities could “cripple the regime.”

Despite the potential implications, Trump downplayed the idea of occupying Kharg in an interview, saying, “It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things that you can change your mind in seconds.”

Earlier in the day, Trump had shown irritation towards a “Fox & Friends” co-host who broached the topic of seizing the island, suggesting that discussing it was unwise.

In response to questions about possible U.S. actions, he remarked, “Let’s say I was going to do it. What do I say to you? ‘Oh, yeah, Brian, I’m thinking of doing it.’ That’s kind of a stupid question,” he retorted.

In his announcement of the bombing, Trump emphasized Iran’s inability to protect itself, stating, “Iran doesn’t have the ability to defend anything that we choose to attack.” He expressed pride in having rebuilt the U.S. military into a formidable force, highlighting that “Iran has no ability to defend what we want to attack.” He stressed that Iran “will never possess nuclear weapons” and cannot threaten the U.S. or the broader region.

Lastly, Trump urged Iranian military personnel and affiliates of the regime to “lay down your weapons and protect what’s left of your country.”