US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran’s oil facilities if the country doesn’t unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a US strike on the military infrastructure of Kharg Island, Trump warned that Iran’s
oil facilities would be targeted if ships aren’t permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The bombing of Kharg Island’s military infrastructure follows reports that the US has sent a roughly 5000-strong amphibious ready group and marine expeditionary group to the Middle East.
Commenting on the US strike from Truth Social, President Trump said:
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.
“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.”
“However, 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.”
According to Fars News Agency, an Iranian outlet with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), targets hit included the island’s air-defense systems, a naval base, a helicopter hangar, and the airport control tower. Over 15 explosions were reported.
Kharg Island is Iran’s main export hub for petroleum products with 90 percent of Iranian crude oil being distributed through its facilities.
Iran exported between 1.1 million and 1.5 million barrels per day from the start of the war to Wednesday last week.
As such, the island was frequently targeted during the Iran-Iraq War due to its strategic importance, serving as an economic lifeline of the IRGC.
Iran has already threatened retaliation against the Gulf states should any of them attack the country’s energy infrastructure.
Trump’s threat comes the day after Mojtaba Khameini, the new Supreme Leader of Iran, declared in his first public statement that Iran would continue its blockade of the Strait throughout the war.
In his first statement as Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei said:
“My dear brothers in arms! What the Iranian people want is the continuation of an effective defence that makes the enemy regret.
Furthermore, the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz must definitely continue to be utilized.”
Approximately one-third of the size of Manhattan, Kharg Island is about 15 miles off the coast of Iran and roughly 500km from the Strait of Hormuz.
Samuel Martin is a British freelance writer covering politics and global affairs.
