Trump says U.S. ‘obliterated’ military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island but didn’t ‘wipe out’ oil infrastructure
A satellite image shows an oil terminal on Iran’s Kharg Island on February 25, 2026.
2026 Planet Laboratories Pbc | via Reuters
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had instructed US Central Command to launch a bomb attack that would hit military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island.
“A few minutes ago, at my direction, United States Central Command conducted one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, completely destroying all MILITARY targets on Iran’s jewel, Kharg Island,” the President wrote. A Real Social post.
He added that he “chose not to destroy the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.”
“However, if Iran or anyone else does anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump said.
Analysts said the US move to seize Kharg Island, a strategically vital center that has been called Iran’s “oil lifeline”, is considered to be extremely high risk both geopolitically and economically.
The five-mile-long coral island, located in the waters of the northern Persian Gulf about 25 miles off the coast of mainland Iran, remained untouched during nearly two weeks of U.S.- and Israeli-led attacks on Iran.
Trump administration is discussing taking over the island, according to a report action report on March 7, citing four anonymous sources with knowledge of the discussions.
While White House officials have previously said they expect oil prices to drop dramatically once Operation Epic Fury ends, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is “wisely” keeping all options on the table.
Kharg Island has become a focus of global attention as it is considered one of Iran’s most sensitive economic targets. The terminal accounts for approximately 90% of the country’s crude exports and has a loading capacity of approximately 7 million barrels per day.
Analysts say any attack or takeover attempt would require a ground military operation, which the United States appears reluctant to undertake. A possible attack could also cause a sustained increase in already high oil prices.
on friday, Brent crude oil futures It closed above $100 a barrel for the second day in a row, and the price of global oil has risen more than 40% since the start of the Iran war.
