A satellite image shows an oil terminal on Kharg Island, Iran, February 25, 2026.
2026 Planet Labs Pbc | Via Reuters
American President Donald Trump said Friday that he had ordered U.S. Central Command to carry out a bombing raid targeting military targets on the Iranian island of Kharg.
“Moments ago, under my instructions, United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East and totally destroyed all MILITARY targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” the president wrote in his message. a post on Truth Social.
He added that he had “chosen NOT to wipe out the island’s oil infrastructure.”
“However, if Iran, or anyone else, does anything to interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump wrote.
Less than an hour later, the president posted again on Truth, saying, “Iran had plans to take over the entire Middle East and completely annihilate Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THESE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD!
Speaking Friday evening, Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One for Florida that his military campaign would last “as long as necessary.” Asked by reporters how long the war would last, he replied: “I can’t tell you. I mean, I have my own idea.” He added: “I won’t give you a time but we are way ahead of schedule.”
Journalists also asked him what he meant by “unconditional surrender” and he replied: “To me, it means very simply that we are in a position of dominance that no one has ever seen before, whether or not they are able to say the words…”
Analysts said the prospect of a US move to seize Kharg Island, a strategically vital hub often referred to as Iran’s “capital” “oil lifeline”, is considered an extremely high risk, both from a geopolitical and economic point of view.
The five-mile-long coral island, located about 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran in the northern waters of the Persian Gulf, has been left untouched until now. almost two weeks strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The Trump administration considered seizing the island, according to a Axios Report on March 7, citing four anonymous sources with knowledge of the discussions.
White House officials have previously said they expect oil prices to fall dramatically once Operation Epic Fury ends, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is “wisely” keeping all options on the table.
Kharg Island has been placed in the global spotlight as it is considered one of Iran’s most sensitive economic targets. The terminal accounts for around 90% of the country’s crude exports and has a loading capacity of around 7 million barrels per day.
Analysts say any attempted attack or seizure would require a ground troop operation, something the United States appears reluctant to undertake. An attack would also likely lead to a lasting increase in already rising oil prices.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously refused to rule out deploying US ground forces to Iran, but has said the US will not get bogged down in the country.
Friday, Brent Crude Oil Futures closed above $100 a barrel for the second day in a row, and the global benchmark oil price has surged more than 40% since the start of the Iran war.
—CNBC Riya Bhattacharjee reports contributed.