U.S. Strikes Kharg Island, But Spares Oil Infrastructure. Trump Calls for Warship Deployments to Strait of Hormuz
The United States carried out what officials described as “one of the most powerful bombardments in the history of the Middle East,” completely destroying “every military target on Kharg Island.” The move, directed by President Donald Trump, aims to pressure Iran into allowing the safe passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has threatened further raids on the island, which Iranians refer to as the “forbidden island,” a critical hub for roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports, which had previously remained untouched by American and Israeli strikes. “I chose not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island,” the president stated. The attack, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command, “successfully struck over 90 Iranian military targets on the island, while preserving oil infrastructure.”
“However,” Trump warned, “should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.” The U.S. President similarly asserted that “many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send warships, in cooperation with the United States, to keep the Strait open and secure.” He expressed hope that “China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and others, affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area so that the Strait of Hormuz no longer represents a threat from a nation that has been completely decapitated.” This development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for further escalation.
Trump: “I’m Not Ready to Produce Deals With Iran Yet”
President Donald Trump has stated he is not yet prepared to reach an agreement to complete the conflict with Iran, despite reported willingness from Tehran. The president explained in a phone interview with NBC that the reason is “because the terms are not good enough yet,” declining to provide specifics on those terms.
F1: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Races Postponed
The Formula 1 Grand Prix races scheduled for Bahrain and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in mid-April have been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the FIA announced Sunday. “While alternatives were considered, no replacements will be made in April,” the federation said in a press release. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and the scheduling of other international events in the region.
