U.S. raid on Kharg, Trump spares the oil fields but threatens Iran: risk of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

"A few moments ago, at my order, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful air raids in the history of the Middle East, completely annihilating every military target in Iran's crown jewel: Kharg Island." This was reported by Donald Trump in a post on Truth, regarding the island through which about 80% of Tehran's oil exports pass, which had so far been spared from attacks. 

"Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated the world has ever known - continued the President of the United States - However, out of a sense of decency, I chose to not destroy the oil infrastructure present on the island. Nevertheless, should Iran, or anyone else, take actions aimed at obstructing the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider that decision."

Just before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, headed to Florida, American President Donald Trump announced on Truth that the U.S. had launched heavy airstrikes against Kharg Island, sparing the vital infrastructure through which almost all Iranian crude oil passes. A move aimed at pressuring Tehran not to interfere with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz amidst mines laid and missiles launched against tankers, but also directed at China, the only country identified as still receiving the outgoing oil desired by the Pasdaran, so that it can facilitate regular maritime traffic.

The strategic objective of the incursions on the island, which had so far been spared from war, highlights the threat of future attacks against oil infrastructure as a significant escalation in the United States' commitment to ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump announced the deployment of the U.S. Navy to escort tankers navigating through the crucial waterway, after Iranian naval units had effectively blocked transit in response to the ongoing conflict, triggering a spike in crude oil prices even beyond $100 per barrel.

The Iranian army has promised to "reduce to ashes" the oil and energy infrastructure linked to the United States in the Middle East, in response to Donald Trump's threat to attack Kharg Island. "All oil, economic, and energy installations belonging to companies in the region that are partially owned by the U.S. or that cooperate with the U.S. - said the spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards - will be immediately destroyed and reduced to ashes."

During the U.S. attacks on the Iranian island of Kharg, about 15 explosions and dense smoke were reported, but no oil infrastructure was damaged: this was reported by the Fars news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Fars adds that the enemy attempted to attack the army’s defense systems, the Joshan port, the airport tower, and the helicopter base, but no oil site was damaged, as Iranian defensive systems protected the island.