President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran’s Kharg Island a second time, even if there are no military objectives. Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces struck 90 Iranian military targets on the landmass in the Persian Gulf.
“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,” the President wrote on Truth Social Friday.
The President told NBC News that Iran’s military infrastructure on Kharg Island was “totally demolished,” he added, “We may hit it a few more times just for fun.”
The US did not strike Iran’s oil infrastructure on the island. “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.” The President’s post continued, “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.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains almost entirely closed to oil tankers. Tehran allowed three Indian tankers to pass after working out a deal with New Delhi. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained, “The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass.”
On Saturday, Trump claimed that he was forming an international military coalition to reopen the waterway.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.” The President added, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated.”
No countries have committed to joining Trump’s coalition, and France ruled out sending warships to the Persian Gulf.
