WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: As the war between the U.S.-led coalition and Iran enters its third week, President Donald Trump has issued a chilling new warning, stating that America could launch additional strikes on Iran’s critical oil terminal at Kharg Island—and might do so again “just for fun.”
In an interview with NBC News cited by The Times of Israel, Trump claimed that recent U.S. airstrikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. While noting that Tehran appears willing to negotiate an end to the conflict, he dismissed the proposed conditions. “The terms aren’t good enough yet,” he said, adding, “We may hit it a few more times just for fun.”
Kharg Island: A Strategic Target
Kharg Island is located approximately 30 kilometers off Iran’s southern coast, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Any sustained disruption there could send global energy prices sharply higher and strain international supply chains.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | Kharg Island (Iran’s main oil export terminal) |
| Significance | Handles ~90% of Iran’s crude exports |
| Location | ~30 km off Iran’s coast, near Strait of Hormuz |
| Trump’s Claim | U.S. strikes have “totally demolished” most of it. |
| New Threat | “We may hit it a few more times just for fun.” |
U.S. Restraint and a New Warning
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump claimed on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. had shown restraint by deliberately avoiding the island’s oil infrastructure in recent strikes.
“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,” he wrote.
He added, “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the oil Infrastructure on the Island.” However, he warned that this decision could change if Iran interferes with maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Spillover and Iran’s Threats
The fighting has already spilt across the region, raising fears of a wider conflagration.
- Baghdad: A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound.
- Fujairah: Debris from an intercepted Iranian drone landed at an oil facility.
Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz and has warned neighbouring states hosting U.S. forces that they could become targets. Tehran’s joint military command specifically mentioned UAE ports it claims are used to launch attacks, including Jebel Ali in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah port.
Trump’s Call for Allied Action
Trump used his Truth Social platform to call on other nations to help secure the strategic waterway.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote, adding, “In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
What Analysts Warn
With tensions rising and Iran threatening retaliation against regional energy infrastructure, analysts warn that further strikes on Kharg Island or any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz could rapidly escalate the conflict and trigger severe, prolonged disruptions in global oil markets.
