US Considering Military Strike on Iranian Kharg Island Again

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for potential additional strikes on Kharg Island, a key oil export hub in Iran. The island was targeted by the US in recent days, with Trump stating that the initial strike “totally demolished” much of the facility. He also urged his allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.

Trump’s comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran would respond to any attack on its energy facilities. Araghchi stated that the US launched the initial strike from two locations in the United Arab Emirates and accused the US of targeting civilian areas. The US Central Command declined to comment on Araghchi’s claims.

In response to the tensions, Iranian forces carried out missile and drone strikes on targets in Israel and three US bases in the region. Iran also reported a recent missile strike on an industrial area in Isfahan, which killed at least 15 people.

The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has had significant effects on global oil supplies, with a fifth of the world’s oil cargoes passing through the waterway. The US President has offered to help coordinate efforts to secure the passage and ensure smooth delivery of oil.

The conflict between the US and Iran has resulted in over 2,000 deaths, mostly in Iran, according to reports from governments and state media.

Source: Al Jazeera