WASHINGTON – U.S. Forces conducted a bombing raid on Friday, March 13, 2026, targeting military facilities on Kharg Island, Iran, according to statements made by former President Donald Trump. The strikes, described as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East,” come amid heightened tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies.
Trump announced the operation via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that U.S. Central Command “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island. He also emphasized that the U.S. Deliberately avoided damaging oil infrastructure, characterizing the move as a warning to Iran. “However, 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,” Trump wrote.
The attack followed what Trump described as Iranian pressure in the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted the movement of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas. Kharg Island is a key port and oil export hub for Iran, making it a strategically important location.
According to reports, Brent crude oil futures had already closed above $100 a barrel for a second consecutive day prior to the strikes. The U.S. President told reporters before boarding Air Force One for Florida that the military campaign would continue “as long as necessary,” but declined to provide a specific timeline.
The strikes on Kharg Island occurred as Iranian armed forces called on residents of the United Arab Emirates to move away from port areas, according to reports from Le Figaro. This development underscores growing regional tensions and raises concerns about potential escalation in the Middle East.
Robert Malley, a former U.S. Negotiator on the Iran nuclear deal, suggested that Iran may have sought a prolonged conflict to inflict economic damage on the United States and the global economy, as reported by BFM. The announcement of the strikes could influence future diplomatic talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.
The New York Times reported that Trump shared the news of the raid on social media.
