On Friday, March 13, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via the Truth social media platform the destruction of military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, home to a key oil terminal, emphasizing that it had not been struck, at least for the time being.
Photo: public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
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. During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
He later also released a video showing the attack.
Source: Donald J. Trump via Truth
Iranian media and news agencies confirmed at least fifteen explosions on the island, warning of a possible escalation of the conflict.
The U.S. president’s threat regarding potential damage to or destruction of the oil terminal on Kharg Island is credible. The island lies approximately 25–30 km off the coast in the Persian Gulf (Bushehr province). Between 1982 and 1986, it was the site of frequent air attacks during the Iran–Iraq War.
It is Iran’s most important and largest oil export facility and has been the “main artery” of the country’s economy for decades. It is estimated to account for 90–96% of total exports – around 1.54–1.6 million barrels per day in 2025, mainly to China (with a theoretical capacity of up to 7 million). Without this terminal, Iranian exports would drop to nearly zero. At the same time, it can handle 8–9 VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) supertankers thanks to the deep waters surrounding the island, unlike the shallow mainland ports.
The island hosts more than 50 fuel storage tanks with a total capacity exceeding 34 million barrels. This allows for stockpiling, flexible sales planning, and buffering market fluctuations. Pipelines (both onshore and offshore) connect the island with major oil fields such as Ahvaz, Marun, Gachsaran, and Aghajari, minimizing transport costs and time. The terminal also enables ship-to-ship transfers at sea, facilitating the activities of the so-called “shadow fleet” and helping to circumvent Western sanctions.
Until yesterday’s attack, the terminal had been heavily fortified by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, due to its importance, it remains a vulnerable point for the economy in the event of destruction. In response, a terminal at the port of Jask on the Gulf of Oman, along with the Goreh–Jask pipeline with a target capacity of 1 million barrels per day, was completed in 2021, though it does not fully diversify Iran’s export routes.
Interestingly, prior to the attack on Kharg Island, The Wall Street Journal, citing three U.S. Department of Defense officials, reported that the deployment of elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) to the Middle East had been authorized. They were embarked on the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), an America-class vessel, as well as USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS New Orleans (LPD-18), both San Antonio-class ships, accompanied by escort vessels including the guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62) of the Ticonderoga class and the guided missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) of the Arleigh Burke class.
This could indicate a potential attempt by the U.S. Marine Corps to seize the island, supported by the USAF and the U.S. Navy from the air.
“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… Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we… pic.twitter.com/2iEzCOyA3P
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 13, 2026
B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future. pic.twitter.com/ebyUYNnOLo
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026
UPDATE
CENTCOM revealed details of the operation
Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure.
Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg… pic.twitter.com/2X1glD4Flt
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 14, 2026