On Friday, President Donald Trump revealed that U.S. Military forces executed targeted strikes on military sites on Kharg Island, a pivotal oil export center for Iran in the Persian Gulf. In a detailed post on Truth Social, he cautioned the Iranian regime that more strikes could follow if provocations continue.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted the operation, specifically targeting military installations while ensuring that the oil exports remained unharmed. Reports indicate that the strikes focused on locations used for storing missiles and mines, which have posed threats to oil tankers in the critical Strait of Hormuz.
This ongoing blockade by Iran has caused significant disruptions in global shipping and has led to a sharp increase in oil prices, which have risen over 40% since the onset of the conflict on February 28.
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” President Trump declared in a recent social media statement.
He emphasized the advanced capabilities of U.S. weaponry while confirming that the strikes intentionally spared economic assets. “Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” he added.
He concluded with a stern warning that targeting the island’s oil infrastructure would be on the table if the Iranian regime persists in jeopardizing U.S. and allied vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump just announced that the U.S. military “totally obliterated” every military target on Kharg Island, sparing the oil infrastructure – at least for now.
This a significant development given that the island handles 90% of Iranian crude oil exports. https://t.co/rXBnGkcsxK pic.twitter.com/jWUFn7cUNV
— Patrick Casey (@restoreorderusa) March 13, 2026
Kharg Island, located roughly 15 miles from Iran’s coastline in the northern Persian Gulf, is essential to Iran’s petroleum operations. Spanning about five miles, it is responsible for processing and exporting approximately 90-95 percent of Iran’s crude oil.
The island hosts refineries and loading terminals capable of handling up to 7 million barrels a day, crucial for Iran’s financial stability. Disruptions in operations here could severely affect the nation’s economy, which heavily depends on oil exports for government revenues.
Iran exports about 1.5-1.6 million barrels daily, translating to a projected $35.8 billion in revenue for 2024. China remains the key buyer, making up around 91 percent of shipments.
Despite ongoing tensions and Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, reports reveal that exports have climbed to an average of 2.1 million barrels per day in recent weeks, exceeding pre-war figures, according to data from the Wall Street Journal. Targeting Kharg Island’s oil facilities could greatly diminish the regime’s capacity to sustain current production levels.
