Trump Orders Strikes on Iranian Oil Hub, Warns of Further Action

President Trump announced U.S. forces attacked military installations on Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial oil export facility. The strikes come amid escalating tensions as Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Trump to threaten attacks on oil infrastructure.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that American forces carried out devastating attacks on military installations located on Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic location that serves as the nation’s primary oil export hub, while issuing stern warnings that petroleum facilities could face bombardment if Tehran persists in disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a social media statement, Trump revealed that U.S. military forces had “obliterated” strategic positions on Kharg Island during Friday’s operations. The island serves as Iran’s main oil export terminal, making it a critical component of the country’s economic infrastructure. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf had previously cautioned that such military actions would trigger unprecedented retaliation from Tehran.

Defense officials confirmed that an additional 2,500 Marines along with an amphibious assault vessel are being deployed to the Middle East region, marking nearly two weeks since hostilities began with the Islamic Republic.

These developments suggest the two-week conflict shows no signs of reaching a resolution anytime soon.

Tehran has maintained its barrage of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and neighboring Gulf nations while effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that facilitates one-fifth of global oil trade. This continues despite intensive bombing campaigns by U.S. and Israeli aircraft against Iranian military installations and other strategic targets.

The crisis in Lebanon has worsened dramatically, with casualty figures reaching nearly 800 deaths and 850,000 people forced from their homes as Israeli forces conduct repeated strikes against Hezbollah forces backed by Iran, with Israeli officials stating the campaign will continue without pause.

Military sources speaking anonymously to discuss classified operations confirmed that components of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship have received orders for Middle East deployment.

Marine Expeditionary Units possess capabilities for beach assault operations while also specializing in embassy security reinforcement, civilian evacuation missions, and emergency response operations. This deployment doesn’t necessarily signal imminent ground combat operations.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke news of the Marine deployment.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Tripoli, along with accompanying amphibious vessels carrying the Marines, operate from Japanese bases and have spent recent days in Pacific waters, according to military photographs. Satellite imagery captured the Tripoli sailing independently near Taiwan, positioning it over a week’s journey from Iranian coastal waters.

Naval forces earlier this week included 12 vessels operating in the Arabian Sea, featuring the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and eight destroyer escorts. The Tripoli’s arrival would create the region’s second-largest naval presence behind the Lincoln.

While exact numbers of American military personnel stationed throughout the Middle East remain classified, Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base alone typically accommodates approximately 8,000 U.S. service members at one of the region’s largest installations.

Trump’s social media announcement detailed how American strikes against Iran’s Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf focused on military targets while deliberately avoiding petroleum infrastructure.

However, he cautioned that interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran or other parties would force him to reconsider his current policy avoiding attacks that would “wipe out the Oil Infrastructure.”

Thursday saw Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issue social media warnings that strikes against Iran’s southern maritime border islands would prompt Tehran to “abandon all restraint,” highlighting these territories’ crucial role in the nation’s economic and security framework.

Iraqi security personnel reported that a missile impacted a helicopter landing area within the U.S. Embassy complex in Baghdad.

Associated Press video documentation captured smoke plumes rising Saturday morning above the embassy grounds.

The extensive embassy facility, ranking among the world’s largest American diplomatic installations, has faced repeated rocket and drone attacks launched by Iranian-supported militant organizations.

U.S. Embassy officials in Baghdad provided no immediate response. Friday saw the embassy extend its Level 4 security warning for Iraq, alerting that Iran and affiliated militia organizations have conducted previous strikes against American citizens, interests and facilities, with potential for continued targeting.

Friday afternoon in Iran’s capital, a massive blast shook a central plaza where thousands had assembled for the government’s annual pro-Palestinian demonstration calling for Israel’s destruction. No injuries were immediately reported.

The Tehran explosion occurred at midday in the Ferdowsi Square vicinity, where crowds had gathered for the annual Quds Day demonstration, shouting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

Israeli forces had issued evacuation warnings through a Farsi-language social media account shortly before the explosion. However, few Iranians likely received the message due to authorities’ near-complete internet shutdown. Video footage showed crowds chanting “God is greatest” as smoke filled the area.

Israel’s military subsequently posted additional Farsi messages, noting Iran’s judiciary chief attended the rally while criticizing Tehran for preventing citizens from accessing their warnings.

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the hardline judiciary leader, was conducting a state television interview at the demonstration when the attack occurred. Security personnel surrounded him as he raised his fist, declaring Iran would “under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.”

Israeli officials announced another round of Iranian infrastructure strikes, reporting their air force had struck over 200 targets within 24 hours, including missile systems, defensive installations and weapons manufacturing facilities.

From Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that more than 15,000 enemy positions have been attacked—exceeding 1,000 daily since combat operations began.

Addressing concerns about Strait of Hormuz disruptions, he told media representatives: “We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.”