Donald Trump Warns of More US Strikes on Kharg Island Amid Rising Iran Tensions

Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch additional strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, saying the strategic oil hub had already been heavily damaged in recent attacks but could be targeted again if tensions escalate.

The remarks come as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its third week on Saturday, raising fears of a broader regional escalation and potential disruption to global oil supplies. Speaking to NBC News, Trump claimed recent US airstrikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal.

“The terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said when asked about possible negotiations with Tehran, adding that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”

Strategic oil hub under threat

Kharg Island lies roughly 30 kilometres off Iran’s southern coast and handles around 90% of the country’s crude oil exports, making it one of the most critical energy facilities in the region.

The island sits close to the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Any prolonged disruption in the area could push global energy prices higher and strain international supply chains.

According to the White House, US forces recently targeted military infrastructure on Kharg Island in what officials described as one of the most powerful bombing operations in the region in recent years.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the strikes had destroyed Iranian military targets on the island.

“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” he wrote.

At the same time, Trump said Washington had deliberately avoided destroying the island’s oil infrastructure.

“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island,” he said, warning the decision could change if Iran interferes with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional tensions intensify

The conflict has increasingly spilled across the region. On Saturday, a missile struck a helipad inside the compound of the United States Embassy in Baghdad, while debris from an intercepted Iranian drone reportedly landed at an oil facility in Fujairah.

The incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of energy infrastructure and maritime traffic in the Gulf.

Iran threatens Hormuz blockade

Iran has warned it could block the Strait of Hormuz and has cautioned neighbouring states hosting US forces that they may also become targets.

Tehran’s joint military command accused Washington of launching attacks from facilities in the United Arab Emirates and warned that ports linked to American operations could be targeted. Locations mentioned included Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port and Port of Fujairah.

Trump, however, claimed Iran’s military capabilities had already been severely weakened and suggested other countries could join efforts to secure the waterway. “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote.

He added that the US would continue military operations in the region if necessary to ensure the shipping route remains open.

With tensions rising and Iran warning of retaliation against regional energy infrastructure, analysts say further strikes on Kharg Island or any attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz could rapidly escalate the conflict and trigger major disruptions in global oil markets.