Kharg Island

The recent attack on Kharg Island was a major U.S. military strike that occurred late on March 13, 2026 (or early March 14, depending on time zones), amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran.

- U.S. forces conducted large-scale precision airstrikes (described by President Donald Trump as "one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East") targeting military installations on Kharg Island.

- The island, a small landmass in the northern Persian Gulf off Iran's southwest coast, serves as Iran's primary oil export terminal—handling roughly 90% of the country's crude oil shipments and acting as a critical economic lifeline.

- Targets hit included naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, missile launch sites, and other military infrastructure (U.S. Central Command reported over 90 military targets destroyed). Oil export facilities, terminals, and related energy infrastructure were deliberately spared.

- Trump announced the strikes on social media, stating U.S. forces had "totally obliterate every military target" on what he called Iran's "crown jewel," Kharg Island. He emphasized the decision not to damage oil infrastructure "for reasons of decency" but warned that he would "immediately reconsider" and target oil facilities if Iran (or proxies) interferes with free passage through the Strait of Hormuz (a vital global oil chokepoint nearby).

- Iranian sources (including state media like Fars and IRNA) confirmed explosions (reports of 15+ blasts), thick smoke, and shaking across the island lasting nearly two hours. Iranian officials described the attacks as crossing a "red line" and vowed retaliation, including potential strikes on U.S.-linked or allied oil/energy sites in the region if Iran's energy assets are hit. Iran's IRGC threatened U.S. forces in the UAE and warned of broader escalation.

Context and implications

This strike marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has involved U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets for about two weeks. Kharg Island had largely been avoided earlier due to risks of massive oil market disruption (oil prices have already surged over 40% since the war began). The attack focuses on degrading Iran's ability to mine or disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has laid mines.

- No major damage to oil operations has been reported yet—Iran claims exports continue normally.

- Analysts warn that hitting or seizing the oil hub could halve Iran's output, trigger severe retaliation, and cause a global energy shock.

The situation remains highly fluid, with Iran threatening counterstrikes and the U.S. signaling potential further action. For real-time updates, check reliable news sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, or DW.

If you want more on the background of Kharg Island, oil market impacts, or related developments, request in comments which topic you would like to know more about!