Trump says U.S. ‘obliterated’ military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island but didn’t ‘wipe out’ oil infrastructure

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had ordered a bombing raid on military targets in Iran’s Kharg Island.

“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,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post.

He stated that he had decided not to destroy the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Shortly after, the president posted again on Truth, saying: “Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THOSE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD!”

During a late night press conference before departing for Florida, Trump mentioned that the military campaign would continue “as long as necessary.” When asked about the duration of the war, he responded, “I can’t tell you that. I mean, I have my own idea.” He also mentioned, “I won’t give you a time but we are way ahead of schedule.”

Responding to a question about “unconditional surrender,” Trump explained, “To me it means very simply that we are in a position of dominance that nobody has seen before, whether or not they’re able to say the words…”

Experts have highlighted the high-risk nature of a potential U.S. operation to seize Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, both geopolitically and economically.

The coral island, situated in the northern Persian Gulf, has been unaffected by recent U.S. and Israeli-led strikes against Iran.

According to an Axios report on March 7, the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of seizing the island.

Officials have anticipated a significant drop in oil prices once Operation Epic Fury concludes, with the White House keeping all options open.

Kharg Island is crucial to Iran’s economy, accounting for a large portion of its crude exports with a loading capacity of around 7 million barrels per day.

An attack on the island would likely necessitate a ground operation, a prospect the U.S. seems hesitant to pursue, given the potential impact on oil prices.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not ruled out the deployment of American ground forces in Iran but emphasized the U.S. will not become entangled in the country.

On Friday, Brent crude oil futures closed above $100 per barrel for the second consecutive day, with prices surging over 40% since the start of the conflict with Iran.

— CNBC’s Riya Bhattacharjee contributed reporting.