WASHINGTON D.C March 13, 2026 – In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing US-led military campaign against Iran, President Donald J. Trump announced late Friday that United States Central Command (CENTCOM) had executed what he described as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East,” completely destroying all military targets on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal.
The strike, part of the broader “Operation Epic Fury” that began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli airstrikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and leadership, targets a facility through which approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports flow. Kharg Island, located about 25 kilometers off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, has long been considered a strategic “crown jewel” for the Iranian regime due to its role in funding military activities and sustaining the economy.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) from the White House account, Trump elaborated: “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”
Trump further boasted of the US military’s superiority, stating, “During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World!”
The announcement came amid reports of over 15,000 targets struck across Iran in nearly two weeks of relentless operations, including nuclear sites like Fordow and Natanz, where bunker-busting bombs have caused significant damage. The campaign, which included the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has drawn international support from allies like Israel, Ukraine, and several NATO members, while facing opposition from countries including China, Russia, and Pakistan.
Satellite imagery released shortly after the strike shows extensive damage to infrastructure on Kharg Island, though reports indicate that civilian oil reserves were deliberately spared to avoid a global energy crisis.
Analysts warn that the attack could halve Iran’s oil output and trigger retaliatory strikes on regional energy assets, potentially spiking global oil prices. JP Morgan noted that a full seizure of the island—previously considered but not executed—would exacerbate the shock to world markets.
Reactions on X were swift and polarized. Supporters praised the move as a decisive blow against Iranian aggression, with one user posting an image of exploding targets and captioning it “America First!” Critics, however, questioned the long-term strategy. Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) tweeted: “Ok… now what? The regime is still in power. They still have uranium.” Syrian Girl (@Partisangirl) mocked: “Most powerful? That’s all you have?” Others accused the US of acting as “Israel’s dog,” highlighting the joint nature of the operations.
Iranian state media has not yet confirmed the extent of the damage but reported pro-regime rallies in Tehran, where President Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf joined demonstrators amid nearby missile impacts. The FBI has also warned of potential Iranian drone threats to US soil, including the California coast.
As the conflict enters its third week, the US has deployed additional Marines to the region, signaling no immediate end to the operations. Experts like former deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates note that Iran is rapidly losing its ballistic missile and drone capabilities. However, questions linger over the human and economic costs, with reports of civilian casualties and broader regional instability.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments in this fast-evolving situation.
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