Washington, March 14 (SANA) US President Donald Trump announced that the US military carried out heavy strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports, and threatened to hit the island’s oil infrastructure if necessary.
Speaking on the “Truth Social” platform today, Saturday, Trump said, “The US Central Command executed one of the strongest airstrikes in Middle Eastern history, completely destroying all military targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
He added, “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out 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 continued, “Iran is completely unable to defend anything we target, will never possess nuclear weapons, and will not have the ability to threaten the US, the Middle East, or the entire world. It would be wise for the Iranian military and all involved with this terrorist regime to lay down their arms and save what remains of their country.”
The US and Israel have taken a cautious stance regarding the island, though officials in the Trump administration said seizing Kharg Island was on the table as the war on Iran continues.
The island, located about 30 km off Iran’s mainland, handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, according to a recent JPMorgan report. Experts warned that any move in this area would have immediate repercussions.
The report noted that “a direct strike on the island would immediately halt the majority of Iran’s crude exports and is likely to trigger violent responses in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.”
Iranian strikes have nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries one-fifth of global crude oil and LNG, and also targeted oil infrastructure in Gulf countries.
M.Q.R
