WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States (US) carried out bombing raids on military targets on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub located in the Persian Gulf.
In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the strikes targeted military installations on the island but avoided damaging its oil infrastructure. He added that the decision was made to prevent further disruption to global energy markets.
Read More: Trump warns US will hit Iran ‘very hard’ as war drives oil prices higher
However, the U.S. president warned that Washington could reconsider the decision if Iran or any other party interferes with shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.
BREAKING: Donald Trump claims the U.S. carried out a major bombing raid on Iran’s Kharg Island, saying U.S. forces “totally obliterated” military targets there. He says the U.S. chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure but warned that decision could change if Iran… pic.twitter.com/BwYMS7OEHQ
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) March 13, 2026
Kharg Island lies about 25 kilometres off Iran’s southern coast and handles roughly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports, making it a strategically important energy facility.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said more than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently supporting military operations against Iran in the region. According to United States Central Command, American forces have struck approximately 6,000 targets since the beginning of the conflict and damaged or destroyed over 60 ships and 30 naval minelayers.
U.S. officials also confirmed additional deployments to the Middle East as tensions escalate. The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli is being sent to the region along with about 2,500 U.S. Marines to reinforce forces already stationed there.
Reports indicate the deployment could also include several warships and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to strengthen military capabilities in the area.
Read More: US military strikes over 5,000 targets in Iran, CENTCOM reports
Military analysts say any attempt to capture Kharg Island would require a large ground force, something the current U.S. administration has so far shown reluctance to commit.
The developments come amid escalating hostilities in the region, raising concerns about global oil supplies and maritime security in the Gulf.