US president threatens further airstrikes on Kharg island 'for fun'

President Trump stated that airstrikes had completely destroyed Iran's Kharg island, except for oil infrastructure, warning of potential additional attacks 'a few more times for fun'.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on 14/3 that it had conducted precision strikes against 90 military targets on Kharg island, considered Iran's "oil lifeline" in the Persian Gulf.

In an interview with NBC News later that day, President Donald Trump stated that US forces "had completely destroyed the island."

"We could strike a few more times for fun. We completely devastated that area, except for the oil pipelines, because rebuilding those pipelines would take many years," he said.

US President Donald Trump at an event in Doral, Florida on 9/3. Photo: AP

Kharg island, located in the Persian Gulf approximately 25 km off the Iranian coast and over 480 km from the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a crucial transit point, handling about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Consequently, Kharg is often referred to as Iran's "oil jewel."

The island, measuring 6 km long and 20 square kilometers, with its numerous storage facilities and oil export terminals, remained intact during the first two weeks of the conflict. This was due to caution exercised by the US and Israel, given the island's critical role in the global oil market.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on 14/3 that the US had launched airstrikes on Kharg island and Abu Musa island in the Persian Gulf. He added that US forces used the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system from the territory of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to carry out the attack.

US forces strike targets on Kharg island in a video released on 13/3. Video: Truth Social/Donald J. Trump

"Iran's armed forces have made it clear that they will retaliate if our oil and energy infrastructure is attacked. They will target any energy infrastructure in the region owned by a US company or with a US company as a shareholder. Therefore, our response will be very clear," Araghchi stated.

Experts have previously warned that attacks on Kharg island would disrupt most of Iran's crude oil exports, risking fierce retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz or against regional energy infrastructure.

Kharg island seen from satellite on 2/3. Photo: AFP

The conflict in Iran has now extended into its third week, showing no signs of ending soon. Iran has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20% of global crude oil is transported, disrupting the global economy.

During his interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned that it is currently unclear if Iran has laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. "We will sweep this strait very aggressively, and we believe other countries will join, those countries with restricted access to oil," he said.

Naval mines - 'silent killers' that could cripple the Strait of Hormuz

Trump is calling on countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to cooperate with the US in ensuring the safety of this vital shipping lane.

France has announced preparations for a "defensive" mission to open the Strait of Hormuz. However, the United Kingdom and China have declined to disclose whether they plan to deploy warships to the Middle East.