Trump says U.S. destroyed Iranian Military Targets on Kharg Island
Image : Special. photo : Reuters
SAP News Plus — U.S. President Donald J. Trump said on Saturday (March 14) that American forces destroyed Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, a strategic island used for Iran’s oil exports.
According to Trump, the attack was carried out by the United States Central Command and represented “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East.”
“We destroyed every military target on Kharg Island, which is considered Iran’s ‘crown jewel,’” Trump wrote on the social media platform X.
Despite the operation, the president said he chose not to strike the island’s oil infrastructure.
“We have the most powerful and sophisticated weapons the world has ever known. However, for reasons of decency, I chose not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure,” he said.
Trump also warned that Washington could reconsider that decision if Iran interferes with international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important routes for global oil trade.
“If Iran or anyone else tries to block the free and safe passage of ships, I will immediately reconsider that decision,” Trump said.
The U.S. president also claimed Iran lacks the military capability to defend itself if the United States launches further attacks.
“Iran has no ability to defend anything we choose to attack,” he said.
Change in Iran’s leadership
Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran later announced the appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader.
The decision was taken by the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics responsible for selecting the highest authority in the Islamic Republic.
According to Reuters, the assembly said Mojtaba Khamenei was elected with a decisive vote to lead Iran’s political and religious system.
The position of Supreme Leader grants final authority over political, military and religious decisions in the country.
Regional tensions
Trump previously said Washington should have influence over the selection of Iran’s new leader.
“If he doesn’t have our approval, he probably won’t last long,” Trump told ABC News.
Before the appointment, Israel had also threatened to target whoever was chosen for the position.
Trump said ending the war in the region should be decided jointly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The regional conflict intensified after Ali Khamenei was killed in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026.
So far, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 1,348 Iranians, seven U.S. service members, and dozens of casualties in Israel following Iranian attacks.
