Washington, March 16 (SANA) – U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the military campaign against Iran is continuing “at full force,” stating that U.S. forces have struck more than 7,000 targets across Iranian territory since the war began on February 28.
In remarks reported by Reuters, Trump said U.S. strikes had “completely destroyed” Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub in the Gulf, though pipelines connected to the facilities remain intact. He added that the United States retains the capability to destroy the pipelines if necessary.
Trump also said Iran would no longer be able to use the Strait of Hormuz as an “economic weapon,” calling on countries that rely on oil shipments passing through the strategic waterway to support U.S. efforts to keep the route open.
The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of global oil trade normally passes—has become a central focus of the current conflict. Maritime traffic through the passage has been nearly halted in recent days amid fears of naval attacks and sea mines.
Security analysts say restoring normal navigation through the strait could take weeks, given the scale of the risks and the need for extensive maritime security operations.
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