Iran Warns US-Affiliated Oil Infrastructure Could Be Reduced to Ashes After Kharg Island Bombing

Tensions in the Middle East escalated further after iran warned that it could target oil facilities connected to the United States across the region. The warning came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had successfully destroyed several military sites on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island.

Iran Threatens Retaliation After US Strikes on Kharg Island

Iran’s armed forces issued a strong warning on Saturday, stating that any attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes against oil facilities linked to American companies or those cooperating with the United States in the Middle East.

The warning followed Trump’s statement that U.S. forces had carried out major strikes on Kharg Island — a key Iranian oil export hub responsible for handling nearly 90% of the country’s crude exports.

A spokesperson from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that if Iranian oil infrastructure were targeted, Tehran would respond by attacking energy facilities operated by companies affiliated with the United States across the region. According to the statement, such installations would be “destroyed and reduced to ashes.”

Kharg Island: A Strategic Oil Export Hub

Kharg Island plays a crucial role in Iran’s oil export operations and is considered one of the most important energy assets in the country. Located in the Persian Gulf, the island serves as the primary terminal for Iranian crude shipments to global markets.

Because of its strategic significance, any military activity around Kharg Island has the potential to significantly impact Global energy supplies and financial markets.

Risk of Escalation in Global Energy Markets

Energy analysts have warned that any disruption to Kharg Island could push global oil prices even higher. Oil markets are already experiencing volatility due to ongoing conflict in the region, and further attacks on oil infrastructure could push prices beyond current levels.

Experts say the situation could spiral further if tensions affect the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

Nearly one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day, making it a critical chokepoint for international energy trade.

Trump Claims “Total Destruction” of Military Targets

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces had “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island. He described the operation as one of the most powerful bombing missions ever conducted in the Middle East.

Trump also warned that if Iran continued interfering with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States could expand its attacks to include the island’s oil infrastructure.

The former president suggested that protecting global energy routes remained a key priority and hinted at further military actions if Iran attempted to block international shipping lanes.

Iranian Media Reports Limited Damage

Despite Trump’s claims, Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency reported that the U.S. strikes did not damage oil infrastructure on Kharg Island.

According to the report, more than fifteen explosions were heard in the area. However, the strikes reportedly targeted military installations rather than energy facilities.

The targeted locations allegedly included:

• Joshen Sea Base
• Airport control tower
• Helicopter hangar
• Military defense systems
• Other defense installations

Witnesses reported heavy smoke rising from several areas around the island following the strikes.

Video Footage Shows Explosions and Smoke

Trump shared video footage on Truth Social showing what he claimed were U.S. Airstrikes on Kharg Island’s runway and airport facilities. The footage displayed large explosions and thick plumes of black smoke rising from the area.

However, independent verification of the extent of the damage remains limited.

Oil Exports Continue Despite Conflict

Despite rising tensions and military activity in the region, Iran has continued exporting crude oil from Kharg Island. Satellite images analyzed by TankerTrackers.com show that several very large crude carriers were loading oil at the terminal as recently as Wednesday.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran’s daily oil exports have fluctuated between approximately 1.1 million and 1.5 million barrels per day.

Meanwhile, some Gulf oil producers have temporarily suspended shipments due to security concerns and the growing risk of attacks on shipping routes.

US Considers Naval Escorts for Oil Tankers

Trump also indicated that U.S. Navy escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz could begin soon. The move is intended to secure one of the world’s most vital energy shipping routes.

According to U.S. officials speaking to CNN, the Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East. A typical unit consists of around 2,500 Marines and sailors, along with aircraft and naval assets designed for rapid response operations.

Regional Conflict Intensifies Following Leadership Change in Iran

The strikes on Kharg Island occurred just one day after Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public address since taking power.

In his speech, Mojtaba warned neighboring countries that Iran could target them if they continued allowing U.S. military bases to operate on their territory.

He also vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if pressure on Iran continued.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the first U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.

Since the start of the conflict, more than 2,000 people have reportedly died across Iran and several Gulf states. The escalating confrontation has placed the region on the brink of one of the most significant conflicts seen in decades.