Kharg Island hit, Trump warns Iran oil facilities next; Tehran vows retaliation

Washington DC: The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, a strategic oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, as the conflict between Washington and Tehran continues to escalate. US President Donald Trump said the strikes “obliterated” military facilities and warned that Iran’s oil infrastructure could be targeted next if tensions continue to rise.

What happened in the latest US strike on Kharg Island?

United States forces launched airstrikes on Kharg Island, located off Iran’s southwestern coast in the Persian Gulf. According to US President Donald Trump, the attack targeted Iranian military installations on the island.

Trump stated that US forces had “obliterated” military targets, but emphasised that oil export infrastructure was not struck. However, he warned that such facilities could be targeted if the conflict escalates further.

Iranian media outlets reported at least 15 explosions on the island following the strike. Thick smoke was seen rising above parts of Kharg Island, with reports indicating that an air defence site, a naval base, an airport control tower and a helicopter hangar linked to an offshore oil company were among the locations hit.

Why is Kharg Island strategically important?

Kharg Island is considered Iran’s primary crude oil export terminal, handling a large portion of the country’s oil shipments to global markets.

Because the island serves as a central hub for exporting Iranian crude, any disruption could have significant consequences for global energy supplies. Much of the oil transported from Kharg Island moves through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for energy trade.

Concerns about possible attacks on oil facilities have already pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel, reflecting fears of supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

What has Iran said in response?

Iranian military officials warned that any attack on the country’s oil infrastructure would trigger retaliation. According to statements from Iran’s joint military command, Tehran could target oil and energy facilities across the region linked to the United States.

Officials said the response could include infrastructure belonging to oil companies that have American ownership or partnerships with US firms.

What other incidents have been reported in the region?

The conflict has also spread beyond Iran’s borders. In Baghdad, Iraqi security officials reported that a missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound, causing smoke to rise from the diplomatic facility.

The embassy complex, located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, has been targeted several times in the past by Iran-aligned militia groups.

Separately, air defence systems in several Gulf countries — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — reportedly intercepted aerial threats overnight.

Are more US forces being deployed?

The United States is also increasing its military presence in the region. Reports indicate that 2,500 US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are being deployed to the Middle East.

The unit is travelling aboard the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and could be used to support operations in the expanding conflict.

What does this mean for the wider conflict?

The latest developments suggest that the two-week-old war between the US, Israel and Iran is intensifying rather than easing.

With strikes on strategic infrastructure, missile attacks across the region and additional troops being deployed, analysts say the situation could have major geopolitical and economic consequences, particularly if energy infrastructure or shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are directly targeted.