US Strikes Iranian Oil Export Hub at Kharg Island; Trump Issues Serious Warning

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - United States President Donald Trump stated that US military forces have launched airstrikes against military targets on Kharg Island, Iran, which serves as Iran’s primary crude oil export centre.

In a statement made via social media on Friday, Trump said the strikes, carried out by US Central Command, constituted one of the most devastating bombing operations in the Middle East region, successfully destroying all military targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.

However, Trump noted that his administration chose not to strike the oil infrastructure on the island.

“I have chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island. However, if Iran, or anyone else, does something to disrupt free and safe shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, I will promptly reconsider,” Trump stated, according to Agence France-Presse on Saturday (14 March 2026).

The United States and Israel have been cautious regarding Kharg Island. However, several officials within the Trump administration reportedly considered seizing the island as one option amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Kharg Island, located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Iran’s mainland, handles roughly 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports, according to recent JP Morgan records.

Experts said that any action against this region, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, would immediately produce significant consequences.

“A direct strike would immediately halt the majority of Iran’s crude oil exports, and would likely trigger severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure,” JP Morgan stated.

Iranian attacks had almost completely halted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and impacted oil infrastructure in other Gulf states.

On Friday, Trump said the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the strait to restore oil exports as he sought to address surging US petrol prices.

Kharg Island underwent significant development during Iran’s oil expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly because much of Iran’s coastline was insufficiently deep to accommodate very large tanker vessels.