US attacks military sites on Iran’s Kharg Island amid rising oil tensions
United States President Donald Trump said US military forces bombed military installations on Iran’s Kharg Island, which hosts the country’s main crude oil export terminal.
According to reports related to the US Department of Defense, the operation targeted strategic military facilities.
Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz
Trump said US forces had “totally obliterated” military targets on the island but decided not to target oil infrastructure for now. He warned that decision could change if Iran interferes with the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island is responsible for more than 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports and is located about 30km south of the mainland in the Gulf.
Explosions reported during US strikes
Iran’s Fars news agency reported more than 15 explosions during the US attacks. The strikes reportedly targeted air defence systems, a naval base and airport facilities.
Iranian sources said oil infrastructure was not damaged and exports continued normally.
Iran warns of retaliation
Iran warned that if oil facilities on Kharg Island were attacked, US-linked oil infrastructure could face retaliation. Iranian officials also indicated possible retaliatory action if energy facilities become targets.
Oil prices surge as conflict continues
The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has now entered its third week, with crude oil prices rising more than 40 percent since the war began, according to global energy data from the International Energy Agency.
US increases military presence
Meanwhile, a US official said about 2,500 additional Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli are being deployed to the Middle East.
Information about Marine Expeditionary Units can also be found on the official US Marine Corps website.
Marine Expeditionary Units can conduct amphibious operations and also support embassy security, evacuations and disaster response.
No immediate ground operation expected
Reports said the deployment does not necessarily mean a ground operation is imminent but shows increasing US military involvement in the conflict.
Trump also said Iran should agree to end the conflict and warned that further actions could follow if tensions increase.
Casualties reported in Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Health said at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured since February 28 due to US-Israeli attacks.
Air attacks have also reportedly hit locations including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan and Tabriz, showing the conflict is continuing without signs of de-escalation.
Global economic risks
Analysts say attacks on critical energy infrastructure could have serious global economic consequences, especially for oil and gas markets. Data related to global oil markets can also be tracked on the Bloomberg Energy platform.
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