Trump says US obliterated Kharg Island military targets, vows Navy escorts through Strait

President Trump has declared that US forces 'obliterated' military targets on Iran's Kharg Island while deliberately sparing the island's vital oil infrastructure.

“US-Israel-Iran War Live: US likely to announce coalition to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz Middle East Conflict: Energy giants tell Trump officials Strait of Hormuz disruption will worsen energy crisis CEOs of major energy companies such as Exxon, Chevron and Conocophillips have warned US President Donald Trump's administration that disruption of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war will worsen energy crisis, the Wall Street Journal reports”

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In a statement reflecting both military capability and strategic restraint, Trump emphasized that 'Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.'

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However, he issued a clear warning that should Iran 'or anyone else' impede shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, he would 'reconsider' his decision not to destroy oil sites.

Kharg Island serves as the terminal for approximately 90 percent of Iran's oil exports, making it a critical economic and strategic target in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

Iranian state media confirmed the US military strikes on Kharg Island, reporting significant damage to military facilities.

According to Fars news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), there were 'more than 15 explosions' on the island with thick smoke rising from the affected areas.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The Iranian outlet claimed that US forces targeted military equipment and maintained that Kharg's air defense systems were not damaged in the attack.

These strikes represent a significant escalation in the conflict, coming after Iran had previously threatened to attack US-linked oil sites in the region if any Iranian energy infrastructure were hit.

The Trump administration is moving rapidly to establish an international coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with plans to announce the formation of multiple country agreements as early as this week.

“US President Donald Trump said American forces have "totally obliterated" military sites on Iran's strategic Kharg Island in "one of the most powerful bombing raids" in Middle East history and he said the US Navy would soon begin escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The strategic waterway has been effectively closed to maritime traffic since Iran's warning that any vessel attempting to cross it would be 'set ablaze,' causing fuel prices to soar globally.

European nations are also developing their own plans, with France reportedly considering forming a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the security situation stabilizes.

However, Germany has indicated it will not participate in a Strait of Hormuz mission, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating 'Will we soon be an active part of this conflict? No' and emphasizing that 'we will only get security for the Strait of Hormuz … if there is a negotiated solution.'

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has discussed the need to reopen the strait with both Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The ongoing conflict has triggered significant economic disruption as energy companies warn that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will worsen the global energy crisis.

CEOs of major energy corporations including Exxon, Chevron, and Conocophillips have reportedly warned the Trump administration that the strait disruption will exacerbate energy market volatility.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The Pentagon is responding by beefing up its regional military presence, with senior defense officials confirming the deployment of approximately 2,500 Marine personnel aboard the USS Tripoli assault ship.

Trump has vowed intensified attacks in the coming week, stating 'We're going to be hitting them very hard over the next week' and claiming that Iran 'is totally defeated and wants a deal -- but not a deal that I would accept.'

The US administration is scrambling to address the surge in global oil prices resulting from both US-Israeli air strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions against US Gulf Arab allies.

The conflict has resulted in significant human costs and regional security challenges.

“US Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent says By Currencies Published 03/12/2026, 03:22 PM Updated 03/12/2026, 03:24 PM US Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent says [](https://www”

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The United States mourns the deaths of six US service personnel following what appeared to be a midair collision of two KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq, bringing the confirmed number of US deaths in the war to 13.

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France has also suffered casualties, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming that a drone strike killed a French soldier in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region while assisting Iraqi forces on antiterrorism missions.

Iran has continued its retaliatory strikes, with Israel reporting that 'defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat' from Iranian missiles.

Turkey has reported that an Iranian missile was intercepted by NATO defenses over its territory, the third such incident since the start of the war, as Ankara seeks to avoid being dragged into the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran's leadership has demonstrated defiance, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials participating in the annual Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran despite the intense wave of air strikes by the United States and Israel.