Washington: The United States has carried out a large-scale precision strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, targeting and destroying more than 90 Iranian military installations in one of the most significant escalations of the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
According to the United States Central Command, the overnight operation focused on key military facilities on the island, including naval mine storage sites, missile depots, and other defence-related infrastructure. U.S. officials said the strikes were carefully planned to avoid damage to the island’s critical oil export terminals.
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is the main hub for Iran’s crude exports and handles the vast majority of the country’s oil shipments, making it one of the most strategically important energy facilities in the region.
Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg… pic.twitter.com/2X1glD4Flt
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 14, 2026
Trump Issues Warning to Tehran
U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier warned Tehran that Washington could target military positions linked to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy trade.
Following the operation, Trump said U.S. forces had “completely destroyed” several Iranian military assets on the island while deliberately sparing oil infrastructure to avoid disrupting global energy markets.
The U.S. administration also indicated that the American Navy may soon begin escorting commercial tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for international shipping.
Iran Downplays Damage
Iranian authorities played down the impact of the strikes, insisting that oil exports from Kharg Island were continuing without interruption. Officials said the attack had caused limited damage and vowed that Tehran would respond if its energy infrastructure was targeted again.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has meanwhile warned that Iran could use the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic pressure point if tensions continue to escalate.
Energy Markets on Edge
The strike has heightened global concern over energy security, as Kharg Island remains one of the most critical oil export terminals in the Middle East. Any disruption to operations on the island or shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact international oil supplies.
With the conflict now entering its third week, analysts warn that continued escalation between Washington and Tehran could further destabilise the region and put global energy markets under severe pressure.
