‘Do Not Interfere’: Donald Trump Says US Hit Iran’s Kharg Island, Warns He Will Act If Shipping Is Threatened

The conflict involving the United States, Iran, Israel and regional allies has intensified after the United States carried out major airstrikes on Iran's key oil hub Kharg Island.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces targeted military facilities on the island and warned that stronger action could follow if Iran interferes with shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest developments come as missile and drone attacks continue across the region, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East and causing global oil prices to surge.

US Airstrikes Target Strategic Oil Hub

In a statement on social media, President Donald Trump said the United States had launched one of the most powerful bombing operations in the region, striking military targets on Kharg Island, which handles the majority of Iran's crude oil exports.

According to Trump, the operation destroyed key military facilities linked to Iran's defence infrastructure on the island.

However, he said the United States deliberately avoided attacking oil infrastructure there, saying the decision was made "for reasons of decency." At the same time, he warned that the US could reconsider this decision if Iran attempts to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.

Strait of Hormuz Under Global Focus

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important maritime routes in the world. Nearly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway between Iran and the Gulf states.

Due to ongoing attacks and military activity, maritime traffic through the strait has slowed dramatically. Oil markets have reacted strongly to the developments, with global crude prices rising above $100 per barrel.

President Trump said the US Navy would soon begin escorting commercial tankers through the region to ensure safe passage.

Iran Launches New Drone and Missile Attacks

As the United States intensified its air campaign, Iran responded with fresh waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf countries.

Explosions were reported in Tehran late Friday as new airstrikes hit the city. Iranian state media said missiles had been launched toward Israeli territory, though Israeli emergency services reported no immediate casualties.

Missile alerts were also reported in Qatar, where the country's defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting dozens of drones, and Turkish authorities said NATO defence systems shot down a ballistic missile launched from Iran.

War With Hezbollah Continues in Lebanon

The regional conflict has also spread into Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah continues.

According to Lebanon's health ministry, an Israeli airstrike on a primary healthcare centre in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 medical workers.

Officials say Israeli strikes aimed at Hezbollah targets have killed at least 773 people in Lebanon since the conflict escalated.

US Deploys Marines and Warships to Region

As tensions rise, the United States is strengthening its military presence in the region.
Reports from American media outlets say the Pentagon has deployed the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship based in Japan, to the Middle East. The vessel carries approximately 2,500 US Marines, who could be used in operations if the conflict expands.
Military analysts say Kharg Island could become strategically important because it plays a major role in Iran's oil exports.

Political Tensions Inside Iran

Despite the escalating war, Iranian authorities are attempting to show that the government remains in control.

Senior Iranian officials joined a large pro-government rally in Tehran, where demonstrators waved banners criticising the United States and Israel.

The political situation inside Iran remains uncertain following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the US-Israel campaign earlier this year.
His son Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new supreme leader but has not appeared publicly for some time and is reportedly injured.

The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information about Mojtaba Khamenei's whereabouts.

Heavy Human and Economic Costs

The conflict has caused significant destruction across parts of Iran and neighbouring countries.
Iranian authorities say more than 1,200 people have been killed, though independent verification is difficult because the government has restricted internet access since the war began.

The United Nations refugee agency estimates that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran due to the conflict.

Within the United States military, 13 personnel have died since the war began, including six crew members from a refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq earlier in the conflict.

Global Markets React to Escalation

The war has had a major impact on global energy markets.

Oil prices have surged sharply as investors worry about supply disruptions from the Middle East. Brent crude prices have reportedly increased by more than 40 percent since the conflict escalated.

Rising oil prices are also raising concerns about global inflation, energy shortages and economic instability if the conflict continues.

As military operations intensify and diplomatic solutions remain uncertain, the crisis in the Middle East is increasingly becoming a major international security and economic challenge.