On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the United States Central Command had carried out one of the most formidable bombing operations in the history of the Middle East, targeting Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export terminal located in the Persian Gulf. This information was corroborated by official sources on social media platforms.
"Moments ago, under 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," Trump wrote in his post.
While the former president noted that the island's oil infrastructure was spared, he issued a stern warning: "However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."
Kharg Island is responsible for handling approximately 90% of Iran's crude exports, translating to around 1.6 million barrels per day. Oil revenue constitutes nearly 40% of the Iranian regime's budget. Given its strategic position in the Persian Gulf, approximately 30 kilometers from the Iranian coast, Kharg represents the most critical economic asset for the country. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Saddam Hussein attempted to destroy the island over several years, but to no avail.
This bombing occurs amid the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, with "Operation Epic Fury" and "Operation Roaring Lion." These operations targeted over 500 Iranian sites, including nuclear facilities, and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.
Trump used the announcement to issue further threats against the regime, declaring, "Iran has NO capacity to defend anything we choose to attack, and there is NOTHING they can do about it!" He also stated that Iran "WILL NEVER have a nuclear weapon" and suggested their military should "lay down their arms and save what little remains of their country, which isn’t much."
The attack on Kharg is directly linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply is transported. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had threatened to close the strait last Thursday. Iran had also laid mines in the area and attacked merchant vessels on March 11, resulting in seven fatalities.
On the previous Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that any aggression against Iranian islands would "spill the blood of invaders in the Persian Gulf." The bombing of Kharg occurred less than 24 hours following that statement.
Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader on March 8, following his father's death, a decision Trump criticized as a grave mistake, predicting the new leader would not last long without his approval.
On March 12, Trump asserted that the war against Iran might conclude soon since the regime is "severely weakened" and "virtually nothing remains to attack." The bombing of Kharg, the regime's most valuable intact asset until yesterday, marks the most decisive step in the ongoing systematic dismantling of Iran's capabilities.
Impact of the Kharg Island Bombing on Global Oil Supply
How significant is Kharg Island in Iran's oil exports?
Kharg Island handles approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, which equates to about 1.6 million barrels per day. It is a critical component of Iran’s economy.
What was the reason behind the bombing of Kharg Island?
The bombing is linked to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and was part of ongoing military operations aimed at disabling Iran's military capabilities and strategic assets.
What could be the global repercussions of this bombing?
The attack on Kharg Island could disrupt global oil supplies, given its significant role in Iran's exports, and may lead to increased tensions and instability in the Persian Gulf region.