Trump Claims US Bombed Iran’s Strategic Kharg Island, Cautions Tehran on Shipping Route

Washington: America-Iran tension in the Middle East has now taken the form of open war. Under Operation Epic Fury, the US Army has launched a major attack on Kharg Island, Iran's most important oil export center. President Donald Trump himself posted on Truth Social that on his orders, US Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out "the most powerful bombing in the history of the Middle East" on Kharg Island. They claimed that all the military bases on the island have been completely destroyed.

Trump clearly said that the oil infrastructure was not intentionally touched, but if Iran or anyone else tries to stop the movement of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, then the next target will be the oil facilities.

What did Trump say on the Kharg Island attack?

Trump wrote: “At my direction, CENTCOM just conducted the most powerful bombing raid in Middle East history, destroying every military target on Iran's 'Crown Jewel' Kharg Island.” He warned that oil infra has been left for now, but if there is any interference in Hormuz, the decision will change.

Why is Kharg Island so important?

This small island is about 24 km away from the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf. More than 90% of Iran's crude oil goes from here to the world. It has the capacity to load millions of barrels of oil daily. It is called the lifeline of Iran's energy economy. A military attack here could break Iran's back.

What is America's warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz?

Trump said in a stern tone that if Iran or anyone else tries to close this important waterway or stop ships, America will take immediate action. Much of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz – its closure would be a major blow to the global economy.

What has been the response from Iran?

Iran's supreme leader and military have threatened to retaliate. They are saying that they will try to keep Hormuz completely closed. The Kharg attack is being condemned in the Iranian media and it is being said that it is a move targeting global energy trade. The tension is now at its peak.

What is the Defense Department telling?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Operation Epic Fury is progressing rapidly according to plan. The objective is to eliminate Iran's military capabilities that pose a threat to America and its allies. He claimed that this campaign is going on at a pace never seen before in the world.