President Donald Trump on Friday evening announced that the U.S. military bombed Kharg Island, which is viewed as Iran‘s oil lifeline.
“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,” he posted on Truth Social.
Trump said he chose “NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” which lies in the northern Persian Gulf and is viewed as critical to the global economy and international oil supply.
“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 said, referring to the tiny but immensely strategic waterway in the Persian Gulf over which Iran holds immense sway.
The island sits roughly 16 miles off of Iran’s coast, and is the loading site for about 90% of the country’s oil exports.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Trump’s move to bomb the island comes just hours after he said the area wasn’t high on his list of priorities in the war against Iran.
“It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds,” Trump told Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade in an interview that aired Friday morning.