US obliterates military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, Trump warns

President Donald Trump announced that US forces carried out a major bombing raid on Iran's strategic Kharg Island.

“The American military has ordered 2500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, a US official said, in a major addition of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran”

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Trump claimed the operation 'totally obliterated every military target' in what he described as 'one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East.'

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The strike was conducted by US Central Command under Trump's direct orders.

It targeted military facilities on the five-mile-long coral island located about 15 miles off Iran's coast in the Persian Gulf.

Trump emphasized that while US weapons are 'the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known,' he chose 'NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island' for 'reasons of decency.'

He issued a clear warning that this decision could change if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Kharg Island holds immense strategic and economic importance as Iran's primary oil export terminal.

It handles roughly 90% of the country's crude exports and serves as the backbone of Iran's oil empire.

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The five-mile stretch of land in the Persian Gulf has massive storage tanks, jetties, and pipelines.

These facilities process nearly all of Iran's oil exports.

International observers and financial analysts warn that any attack could intensify regional tensions.

JPMorgan noted that 'a direct strike would immediately halt the bulk of Iran's crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation.'

Trump's decision to spare the oil infrastructure appears to be a calculated move to avoid immediate economic catastrophe.

Iran responded forcefully to the attack, with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warning that attacks on the islands would cause Iran to 'abandon all restraint.'

“DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump said the U”

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Qalibaf emphasized how central these territories are to Iran's economy and security.

He directly blamed Trump for 'the blood of American soldiers,' indicating Iran views the strike as a significant escalation.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region.

An explosion occurred at Tehran's Ferdowsi Square during an annual Quds Day rally where thousands were chanting 'death to Israel' and 'death to America.'

The explosion happened shortly after Israel issued warnings in Farsi on social media.

Few Iranians would have seen the warnings due to internet restrictions.

Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei was present at the rally and defiantly declared that Iran 'under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.'

The US is significantly escalating its military presence in the region.

The Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit with approximately 2,500 Marines and sailors.

Business Insider

Additional warships including the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli are being sent to the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck in Iran since the war began.

This represents more than 1,000 targets per day.

The conflict has already had economic repercussions.

Fruit and vegetable producers warn that rising energy costs may force them to stop production.

Producers say this could lead to empty supermarket shelves.

Trump stated the military campaign will last 'as long as necessary' and is 'way ahead of schedule'.

He refused to provide specific timelines for the conflict's end.

Trump announced US Navy escorts for tankers through the Strait of Hormuz would begin 'soon'.

The attack on Kharg Island comes amid global market reactions to the escalating conflict.

“President Donald Trump said on Friday that he directed the U”

CNBC

Oil prices have risen back above $100 per gallon amid concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

CNBC

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.

It carries roughly 20 million barrels of oil daily and about one-fifth of the global supply of liquefied natural gas.

Trump announced he's discussed the Middle East war with China's president Xi Jinping.

He offered no specifics on what was discussed, adding geopolitical complexity.

The attack represents a significant escalation in the US-Iran conflict.

The conflict has spread across parts of the Middle East with missile and drone attacks.

Thousands of people have been killed or displaced in the fighting.

Despite Trump's claims that Iran 'has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack,' international observers remain concerned about further escalation.