United States launches large-scale strike on Iran's Kharg Island, CENTCOM confirms.

The United States military executed a significant military operation against Iran's Kharg Island, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming the strike as a "large-scale precision attack" targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

“The US hit Iran’s Kharg Island, key to its economy and security”

Associated Press

According to CENTCOM's social media announcement, U.S. forces successfully destroyed more than 90 Iranian military targets including naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and other military sites while deliberately preserving the island's critical oil infrastructure.

Associated Press

President Donald Trump characterized the operation as "one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East" and stated that U.S. forces had "totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran's crown jewel, Kharg Island."

The strike was launched on Friday amid ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, with U.S. officials emphasizing the precision nature of the attack to avoid damaging Iran's oil export capabilities while still delivering a significant military blow.

Kharg Island holds immense strategic and economic significance for Iran, serving as the primary terminal through which approximately 90% of the country's crude oil exports pass.

Despite being only about eight kilometers long, the island plays a central role in Iran's economy, handling millions of barrels of oil daily through subsea pipelines from offshore fields like Aboozar, Forouzan, and Dorood.

Associated Press News

The island's unique coastal geography allows very large tankers capable of carrying up to 85 million gallons of oil to approach its jetties, making it Iran's primary oil export hub in the Persian Gulf.

According to financial analysts, a direct strike on Kharg Island "would immediately halt the bulk of Iran's crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation."

Iranian opposition leader Yair Lapid had previously warned that destroying infrastructure on Kharg Island would "cripple Iran's economy and topple the regime," underscoring the island's critical importance to Iran's economic survival and regional influence.

President Trump responded to the escalating tensions by calling for international cooperation to maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes.

“Why has the US targeted Iran's Kharg Island”

BBC

In posts on Truth Social, Trump urged countries dependent on oil shipments through the strait to send warships to help keep the shipping route open, stating "The countries of the world that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — a lot!"

He specifically mentioned hoping for participation from China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain in naval operations to counter Iran's threats.

The U.S. military has already deployed the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship with 2,500 Marines to the region, positioning forces to potentially seize control of the strategic waterway.

However, Iran has issued stern warnings, threatening to attack any vessels attempting passage through the strait, causing all maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz to halt completely according to reports.

The strike on Kharg Island comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with both sides issuing warnings about potential further escalation.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that attacks on the Persian Gulf islands would provoke "a new level of retaliation," stating that Iran "will abandon all restraint" if the islands come under attack and that Trump will be responsible for "the blood of American soldiers."

CNN

The Iranian government has effectively blocked passage through the Strait of Hormuz during ongoing fighting, giving Tehran significant leverage over the United States and its allies.

While Trump emphasized that he deliberately avoided targeting oil infrastructure on Kharg Island, he made it clear that "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."

This warning has raised concerns about the potential for further military escalation in the region, with global oil markets already reacting to the heightened tensions.

The broader context reveals this strike as part of a sustained military campaign against Iran's military capabilities and strategic infrastructure.

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Il Sole 24 ORE

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the war began, with more than 1,000 targets being hit daily.

Il Sole 24 ORE

The Israeli military has also been actively engaged, announcing over 7,600 attacks in Iran since the start of "Operation Roaring Lion" on February 28, including strikes against Iranian headquarters, infrastructure, and missile programs.

Meanwhile, Iran has reported destroying 111 enemy drones since the beginning of the conflict, demonstrating the ongoing nature of the asymmetric warfare between the involved parties.

The international community has expressed varying reactions, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stating that Italy remains "firmly committed to promoting an easing of tension" in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also offered assistance, noting that "several countries in the Middle East have contacted us, asking us to share our experience in intercepting Iranian 'Shahed' drones during massive attacks," indicating the regional and global implications of this escalating conflict.