by Lee Seonae
Published 14 Mar.2026 09:09(KST)
On March 13 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced that the U.S. military had carried out an airstrike on Kharg Island, a key Iranian crude oil export hub, destroying all military targets on the island. This operation is seen as a high-intensity military pressure in response to Iran's attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump stated via his social networking service, 'Truth Social,' that "under my direction, the U.S. Central Command carried out one of the most powerful bombings in Middle Eastern history," adding, "All military targets on Kharg Island were completely eliminated."
He emphasized that the United States' weapons systems are the most powerful and sophisticated in the world, but added, "For reasons of decency, we decided not to destroy the island's oil infrastructure." However, President Trump also left open the possibility of a 'conditional strike,' stating that if Iran or any third party interferes with the free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he would immediately reconsider the decision to preserve the oil infrastructure.
Kharg Island, which was targeted in this operation, is the economic lifeline that handles more than 90% of Iran's total crude oil exports. Since the 1960s, when the American oil company Amoco built the facilities, it has served as a large-scale terminal capable of processing up to 7 million barrels of oil per day. Dozens of storage tanks are clustered in the southern part of the island, while both sides feature deep-water piers and airstrips capable of accommodating Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). In particular, this terminal is directly connected via subsea pipelines to Iran's major oil fields on the mainland, meaning that additional U.S. attacks could threaten the very foundation of Iran's economy.
President Trump also reaffirmed his determination to block any possibility of Iran possessing nuclear weapons. He declared, "Iran will never possess nuclear weapons, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States, the Middle East, or the world."
He then delivered a stern warning to the Iranian military and regime officials, stating, "If you wish to protect the remaining territory, it would be wise to lay down your arms," effectively demanding unconditional surrender.
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