Precision strikes by U.S. Forces targeted approximately 90 military objectives on Kharg Island, a strategically important Iranian oil hub located 25 kilometers (15 miles) off the coast of Iran, on Friday, March 13, 2026. The action comes as the U.S. Attempts to pressure Iran over restrictions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route. The development underscores growing tensions in the region and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
President Donald Trump stated that the targets were “completely obliterated,” but refrained from striking oil infrastructure “for reasons of decency.”
In a subsequent interview with NBC News, Trump warned that the island could be targeted again.
“We totally destroyed Kharg Island, but we might hit it a few more times just for fun,” he said.
Trump emphasized that the U.S. Does not currently plan to strike oil facilities on the island, as their reconstruction would take “years.” This consideration is significant for Iran, as 90 percent of the country’s oil exports are processed and shipped via the small coral island.
Sources familiar with the matter have previously indicated to Axios that the U.S. May consider deploying ground troops to gain full control of Kharg Island. Whereas Trump did not mention such a plan in the interview, experts have suggested it remains a possibility.
“Now the U.S. Has struck military installations. Taking control of the oil terminals on Kharg Island would aim to put further pressure on Iran,” said Peter Haldén, a lecturer in war studies at the Swedish Defence University, on Saturday.
483 kilometers (300 miles) from Kharg Island lies the Strait of Hormuz, another significant concern for the U.S. President. Iran controls the vital oil passage and has been blocking access for numerous vessels.
The exact number of tankers and cargo ships affected remains unclear. The Guardian reported on March 13, 2026, that more than 1,000 ships were stalled. Days later, The Times suggested the number could be as high as 2,500 vessels with approximately 20,000 crew members.
Swedish shipping company Stena Bulk is among the companies with vessels impacted by the disruptions.
Trump has now sought assistance from several countries to establish control over the strait.
“We will be monitoring the strait very closely and we believe we will be joined by other countries that are, in some cases, completely blocked, in some cases hindered, from getting access to the oil,” he told NBC News.
In his interview with NBC News, Trump did not name specific countries that could be called upon to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, a post on Truth Social mentioned potential candidates: China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom “and others,” the President wrote.
Additional U.S. Personnel are also en route to the region. The Navy’s 31st unit has departed Japan and is heading towards the Middle East, according to government sources cited by The Wall Street Journal and CBS News.
The U.S. Has previously indicated a willingness to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a prospect that has been met with threats of attacks on vessels from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Trump continues to suggest this remains an option, though he declined to specify when such a measure might be implemented.
“I don’t want to notify you anything about that, but it’s possible,” he said to NBC News.
