March 14, 2026 — Washington — President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces have “totally obliterated” all military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export terminal, without striking key oil infrastructure.
The strikes, described by Trump as one of the most powerful bombing raids in Middle East history, were carried out by U.S. Central Command. Iranian state media confirmed more than 15 explosions and thick smoke rising from the island, though its air defenses remained intact. Trump shared social media posts featuring apparent surveillance footage of the blasts.
“US forces totally obliterated military sites on Kharg Island,” Trump stated on social media. “Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated in the world.”
Trump warned that if Iran impedes shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would reconsider sparing oil sites, noting the strikes avoided them “for decency reasons.”
Escalation in Ongoing Conflict
The action comes amid a broader war that began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran starting February 28, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks on U.S. allies and Israel. Iran has continued launches, with one intercepted over Turkey. Separate blasts were reported in central Tehran on March 14, following Israeli threats.
Trump vowed intensified U.S. attacks, stating:
“We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week.”
He described Iran as “totally defeated” and seeking a deal, but one “not that I would accept.”
Strait of Hormuz and Navy Response
Kharg Island, located 24 kilometers off Iran’s coast and 480 kilometers north of the Strait of Hormuz—which handles critical global shipping—has seen disruptions contributing to surging oil prices. Trump pledged that U.S. Navy escorts for vessels through the strait “will happen soon,” without a specific timeline. Other Western nations, including France and Italy, are considering similar measures or diplomatic deals for safe transit.
U.S. forces in the region are bolstering, with a 2,500-Marine contingent aboard the USS Tripoli, alongside other vessels. U.S. losses include 13 deaths, with a recent midair collision of two KC-135 aircraft over Iraq killing six crew members.
Additional Developments
Iran held an Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13 despite the strikes, attended by senior officials. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was likely wounded and unable to govern effectively.
France reported a soldier killed by a drone in Iraq. Global oil prices continue to rise due to threats to Iranian energy infrastructure.