In an unprecedented show of force, President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. military executed one of the “most powerful” bombing raids in the history of the Middle East.
The target was Kharg Island, the most critical point for the Iranian economy, where the Central Command (CENTCOM) “annihilated” all the regime’s defenses and military targets.
Trump confirms attack on Kharg Island
Despite the magnitude of the attack, Trump revealed a key strategic decision: he chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure, which stores 90% of the crude oil that Iran exports to the world.
However, this “pardon” has very clear conditions.
Through his Truth Social account, the president described Kharg as “the crown jewel” and warned that his decision is reversible.
“If Iran, or anyone else, does anything that interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump sentenced, leaving the Iranian economy hanging in the balance.
The Strait of Hormuz dilemma
“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…. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we… pic.twitter.com/2iEzCOyA3P
– The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 13, 2026
Located 25 kilometers off the coast, Kharg Island concentrates the country’s most important oil terminal and is the largest loading center for international ships.
Until a few hours ago, BBC experts doubted that the US would dare to touch this area due to the irreversible impact it would have on the global energy market.
With this surgical strike, Washington has demonstrated that it can neutralize the island’s military protection without triggering an immediate oil crisis, but keeping the threat latent.
The ball is now in Tehran’s court: maintaining the blockade in the Persian Gulf could mean the total destruction of its main source of income.
Filed under: Kharg Island Attack
