US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that American forces have carried out air strikes on Iranian military installations on Kharg Island, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the operation as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East,” saying that US forces had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.” He added that Iran’s oil infrastructure on the island had so far been avoided.
Speaking to reporters later, the president said he expects US Navy escorts for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to begin “soon.” “Today, we’ve had some very, very big hits,” he said, without providing further operational details.
When asked how long the conflict with Iran might last, Trump said: “It’ll be as long as it’s necessary. I can’t tell you that. I mean, I have my own idea, but what good does it do? They’ve been decimated. Their country’s in bad shape. The whole thing is collapsing.”
The President also said he had discussed the situation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, ahead of a planned trip to China later this month.
What is Kharg Islands and Why Is It Important?
Kharg Island, a small coral outcrop about 21 miles off Iran’s southern coast, serves as the principal terminal through which most of the country’s crude oil exports are shipped. Since the war began, Iran has exported about 13.7 million barrels of oil, and satellite imagery on Wednesday showed several tankers loading cargo at Kharg, according to TankerTrackers.com.
Oil exports remain a major source of revenue for Iran, with shipments continuing to flow to countries including China. A strike on Kharg Island could disrupt not only the current government but also the economic foundations of any future leadership in Iran.
The island contains large oil storage tanks in its southern section as well as residential facilities for thousands of workers. Gazelles roam near the refineries and depots that make the island one of Iran’s most valuable — and sensitive — economic assets.
Petras Katinas, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, said the island was essential to funding Iran’s government and military operations.
If Iran were to lose control of Kharg Island, he said, the country would struggle to function economically, even though the facility itself is neither a military base nor a nuclear installation.
“It doesn’t matter which regime is in power — new or old,” Mr. Katinas said. He added that control of the island would give the United States considerable leverage in negotiations because Kharg is “the main node” of Iran’s economy.
Analysts at JPMorgan Chase warned this week that a direct strike on Kharg Island could have sweeping economic consequences. “The island has often been viewed as a critical vulnerability, yet it has rarely been directly targeted,” the bank’s global commodity research team said in an investment note. “A direct strike would immediately halt the bulk of Iran’s crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.”
