Iran Threatens Retaliation After U.S. Strikes on Kharg Island Oil Hub

Iran has vowed to retaliate following U.S. airstrikes on its Kharg Island oil hub, escalating tensions in the region. The U.S. military confirmed that the strikes targeted over 90 Iranian military installations on Kharg Island, emphasizing that oil infrastructure was preserved.

In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that U.S. military positions in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) could be considered legitimate targets. The IRGC urged civilians in the U.A.E. to evacuate areas housing U.S. military facilities to avoid potential casualties.

The conflict has significantly disrupted global oil supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for about 20% of the world's oil—effectively closed due to hostilities. Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, marking the highest levels since 2022.

In Iraq, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was struck by a missile, causing a fire on a helipad. The embassy has not yet commented on the incident.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy additional warships to the Gulf region to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. He indicated that multiple countries would collaborate with the U.S. in this effort, though specific nations were not named.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,000 fatalities, primarily in Iran, and has caused the most significant disruption to oil supplies in history. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about further escalation and its impact on global energy markets.