President Trump says US bombed Iran’s Kharg Island, spares oil infrastructure but warns of future strikes if Hormuz traffic is threatened.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced the US military executed a major bombing raid on Iran’s Kharg Island. He stated the operation targeted and “totally obliterated” every military site on the strategic island.
Trump issued a stark warning on social media, threatening the island’s crucial oil infrastructure. “I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” he wrote.
However, he added an immediate reconsideration would follow any interference with shipping. “Should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider.”
The island handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports according to analysts. Experts warn a direct strike on its oil facilities would have severe global repercussions.
JP Morgan analysts stated such an attack would immediately halt most Iranian crude exports. They predicted it would likely trigger severe retaliation targeting the Strait of Hormuz or regional energy infrastructure.
Iranian actions have already severely disrupted traffic in the critical waterway. The Strait of Hormuz normally sees a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas pass through.
Trump also announced the US Navy would soon start escorting tankers through the strait. This move aims to restore oil exports amid soaring US gasoline prices.
Administration officials have previously discussed capturing Kharg Island as the Middle East conflict continues. The island was developed extensively in the 1960s and 1970s to accommodate supertankers.