US Conducts Military Strike at Iranian Oil Facility on Kharg Island

US President Donald Trump has stated that US military forces bombed military installations on Iran’s Kharg island, warning that critical oil facilities could be targeted if Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran has threatened to reduce US-linked oil facilities to “a pile of ashes” if oil structures on the island are attacked.

The US president claimed that all military targets on Iran’s Kharg island oil export hub were destroyed during the US attacks, describing it as a “powerful bombing raid”. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Trump stated that he had chosen not to target oil infrastructure on the Iranian island, but would reconsider if Iran or anyone else interferes with the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported that more than 15 explosions were heard on Kharg island during the US attacks, targeting air defenses, a naval base, and airport facilities. The attacks caused no damage to oil infrastructure, but thick smoke was seen rising from the island. Iran has warned that potential retaliatory attacks on Gulf oil facilities would be a “catastrophic scenario” for the region.

The US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, with 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship being sent to the region. This deployment does not necessarily indicate a ground operation, but rather a gradual increase in military posture.

Iran has been affected by the ongoing conflict, with at least 1,444 people killed and 18,551 injured since February 28, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health. The US-Israeli attacks have targeted various locations across the country, including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Tabriz.

Source: Al Jazeera