U.S. Airstrikes Target Military Sites on Iran's Kharg Island
The United States conducted airstrikes on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub, targeting military infrastructure while avoiding damage to oil facilities.
On March 13, 2026, the United States carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal, located approximately 20 miles off the Iranian mainland in the Persian Gulf. The operation targeted over 90 Iranian military sites but deliberately spared the island's oil infrastructure.
Kharg Island is pivotal to Iran's economy, handling about 90% of the country's crude oil exports. Its deep-water facilities accommodate large tankers, facilitating significant oil shipments, primarily to Asian markets.
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. "totally obliterated every MILITARY target" on Kharg Island and warned that oil infrastructure could be targeted if Iran continues to interfere with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The airstrikes have heightened tensions in the region, with concerns about potential Iranian retaliation and the impact on global oil markets. Analysts suggest that while the military operation aimed to weaken Iran's capabilities, it also risks escalating the conflict further.
