Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East” on Kharg Island, targeting Iran’s military installations while deliberately sparing the island’s oil infrastructure.
In a post on Truth Social late Friday (US local time), Trump stated that the strikes “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on Kharg Island, a strategic terminal through which most of Iran’s oil exports pass. The president emphasized that US weapons are “the most powerful and sophisticated that the world has ever known” but chose not to damage the island’s energy facilities out of “decency.”
Trump warned Iran against interfering with international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to reconsider the restraint if Iran attempts to block maritime passage. He also asserted that Iran no longer has the capability to defend against US attacks and claimed that Tehran’s ambitions to dominate the Middle East and target Israel are “now dead.”
The strikes coincide with the deployment of 2,500 US Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, marking a significant military reinforcement in the Gulf following nearly two weeks of escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, a large explosion occurred in a central square in Tehran during a state organized rally supporting Palestinians and calling for Israel’s destruction. While no immediate casualties were reported, the attack underscored the heightened tensions in Iran, which continues missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz a key artery for nearly one-fifth of global oil trade.
These developments reflect a rapidly escalating confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with increasing risks of instability and military escalation across the Persian Gulf region.