US armed forces launched airstrikes against “every military target” on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical export hub for the Islamic Republic, as announced by Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform. The American president noted that “for reasons of dignity” he chose not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island. “However, if Iran, or anyone else, does anything to impede the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will reconsider this decision,” he emphasized.
Shortly after, Donald Trump posted a video on Truth Social purportedly showing American raids on Kharg Island, including attacks on airport facilities and the runway.
New media post from Donald J. Trump
(TS: 13 Mar 21:22 ET) pic.twitter.com/MqjVf6pbI1
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) March 14, 2026
Donald Trump’s Truth Social post
“Just now, on my orders, US Central Command carried out one of the most powerful air strikes in Middle East history and completely destroyed every military target on Iran’s ‘precious jewel,’ Kharg Island. Our weapons are the most powerful and advanced the world has ever known, but for reasons of propriety, I chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure. However, if Iran or anyone else attempts to impede the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision. During my first term, and continuously, I rebuilt our military into the most lethal, powerful and effective force, by far, at any point in the world. Iran has no ability to defend against whatever we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER acquire a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the world! Iran’s military, and all those associated with this terrorist regime, would be wise to surrender their weapons and save what remains of their country, which is not much! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
The strategic importance of Kharg Island
Kharg Island is a coral island approximately 8 kilometers long in the Persian Gulf, opposite Kuwait and about 30 kilometers from the Iranian coast. It serves as Iran’s main oil export hub, handling approximately 90% of the country’s oil exports.
Pipelines carrying oil from central and western Iran’s oil facilities terminate on the island. The port and facilities were originally created by American oil conglomerate Amoco, while the island came under Iranian control during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Typically, Kharg handles between 1.3 and 1.6 million barrels of oil daily. However, according to investment bank JP Morgan, Iran increased exports to approximately 3 million barrels per day in mid-February, following Trump’s warnings of a potential attack.
The island also stores approximately 18 million barrels of oil as strategic reserves, according to the American investment bank’s data. Despite escalating tensions, operations on Kharg Island continued functioning. Satellite images from TankerTrackers showed that even on Wednesday, several tankers were loading oil at the site.
There have been assessments that the United States could even consider a ground intervention to capture the island. However, experts warn that such a military move would be extremely dangerous.
Iran’s initial response
Iranian armed forces warned that any attack on Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure would lead to retaliation. According to Iranian media, Tehran is considering attacks on energy facilities belonging to oil companies that cooperate with the United States in the region.
