'Hitting Iran Very Hard Tonight': Trump Warns Of Massive US Military Strikes As Defenses Fail

US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened new military strikes against Iran, saying the United States would hit the country "VERY HARD TONIGHT" as tensions continued to rise across the Middle East.

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote,''The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT.''

"At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America."

Located off Iran's southern coast, Kharg Island is considered a strategic asset for Iran's economy, handling the bulk of the country's crude oil exports. The island has remained at the centre of the ongoing conflict, with previous military operations and threats focusing on its infrastructure and role in global energy markets. It is also widely regarded as a critical economic lifeline.

Trump has claimed the US could take control of Iran's oil and gas sector, "much like we have with Venezuela."

On March 13, the US launched strikes on the island, with Trump later claiming American forces had "totally obliterated" all military targets there. While the operation did not target oil infrastructure, he warned that further action could follow.

Analysts say capturing Kharg Island could infact disrupt Iran's oil exports while providing the US with a strategic foothold in the Persian Gulf for operations against the Iranian mainland. Control of the island could also give Washington leverage to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping.

However, experts caution that any attempt to seize and hold the island would be highly challenging. Such an operation would require substantial naval and air support, as well as ground forces capable of securing and defending the territory against potential Iranian retaliation.