The United States military executed a massive aerial bombing raid targeting military installations on Iran’s Kharg Island, deliberately sparing the nation’s critical oil export infrastructure. The strike, ordered by President Donald Trump, marks a severe escalation in the ongoing two-week conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran that has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted global energy markets.
Following the operation, Brent crude oil prices surged past the $100-per-barrel threshold, pushing the average price of gasoline in the U.S. to $3.63 a gallon. In response to what the International Energy Agency classified as the largest hit to global oil supply on record, an unprecedented coordinated release of 400 million barrels from global strategic stockpiles is underway to stabilize the world economy.
President Trump confirmed the strikes in a statement on Truth Social, declaring that U.S. Central Command forces “totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel.” He characterized the operation as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East.” Trump explicitly stated that the U.S. military avoided hitting the island’s oil processing facilities “for reasons of decency.” However, he issued a direct ultimatum, warning he would “immediately reconsider” and target the energy infrastructure if Iran continues to interfere with maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island serves as the central node of Iran’s economy, processing an estimated 90% to 95% of the country’s crude oil shipments. Energy analysts note that the destruction of these facilities would severely restrict the Iranian government’s ability to fund its military operations. On Saturday, Iranian armed forces issued explicit threats to target the energy infrastructure of any companies or Gulf states cooperating with the U.S. military.
The bombing on Kharg Island is the latest flashpoint in a broader military campaign that has resulted in over 2,000 casualties and the displacement of millions of civilians across the region. Anticipating extended operations and aiming to secure vital maritime commercial routes, the Pentagon recently deployed an additional 2,500 Marines alongside the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the Middle East.