WASHINGTON/DUBAI/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 14 2026 (Agencies): The United States on Friday attacked military targets on Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said, warning that oil infrastructure could be targeted if Tehran continues to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a social media post, Trump declared the US military had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island, while deliberately sparing oil facilities. Kharg Island, located about 300 miles northwest of the strait, handles around 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports.
Iranian media confirmed Saturday that no oil infrastructure was damaged. The Fars news agency, citing sources on the island, reported that oil facilities remained intact despite the strikes.
“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 warned. He added that Iran had no ability to defend against US attacks and urged its military to “lay down their arms.”
The strikes come amid soaring oil prices and escalating regional conflict. Trump said the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “soon.” He also vowed continued heavy strikes on Iran over the next week, describing Tehran’s attacks on shipping as “a last-ditch effort.”
The conflict has already claimed around 2,000 lives in less than two weeks, with casualties reported in Iran, Lebanon, and across the Gulf. Millions have been displaced, as Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut’s suburbs and threatened further devastation against Hezbollah. US forces have also suffered losses, with six crew members killed in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq.
Iran has launched missiles and drones at Israel, while reports indicated Iranian drones flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. The Israeli military said it struck more than 200 targets in Iran over the past day, including missile launchers and weapons sites.
The US is reinforcing its presence in the region, deploying the USS Tripoli with its Marine expeditionary unit and sending 2,500 additional Marines and sailors, according to US officials.