Trump says US bombed Iran s Kharg Island, threatens its oil infrastructure

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the US military has conducted significant bombing operations on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is crucial for Iran’s crude oil exports. He also warned that the US could target the island's oil facilities. “The United States Central Command carried out one of the most powerful bombing raids in Middle East history, completely destroying every military target on Kharg Island, which is Iran’s key asset,” Trump stated on social media. “I have decided NOT to destroy the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, if Iran or anyone else takes actions that disrupt the Free and Safe Passage of Ships in the Strait of Hormuz, I will quickly rethink my decision.” While the United States and Israel have been cautious regarding Kharg Island, reports suggest that officials in the Trump administration are considering taking control of the island as the conflict in West Asia continues. Kharg Island, situated about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Iranian mainland, is responsible for approximately 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports, as noted by JP Morgan. Any military action in this area, which is about one-third the size of Manhattan, could lead to immediate consequences, experts warn. “A direct attack would instantly stop most of Iran’s crude oil exports, likely causing strong retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against energy facilities in the region,” JP Morgan stated. Iranian actions have significantly disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas typically pass, and have also affected oil facilities in other Gulf nations. On Friday, Trump mentioned that the US Navy will begin escorting tankers through the straits “very soon” to help restore oil exports as he faces rising gas prices in the United States.