KABUL: U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered one of the most powerful bombardments in the Middle East, targeting Kharg Island, a key economic site belonging to Iran in the Persian Gulf.
In a message posted early Saturday on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called the island as the “crown jewel of Iran” had been completely destroyed in the attack.
However, he said oil infrastructure on the island had not been targeted. Trump warned that if Iran interferes with the free and secure passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States could reconsider its decision and strike those facilities.
“For humanitarian reasons and out of consideration, I chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure,” Trump wrote, adding that the decision could change if shipping routes are threatened.
Iranian officials have not yet commented on the reported bombing.
Kharg Island, sometimes spelled Khark Island, is a populated Iranian island near Bandar Ganaveh and is considered one of Iran’s most important oil export terminals.