Trump threatens to strike Iran's Kharg Island oil network if shipping lanes remain blocked
The Straits Times
WASHINGTON/DUBAI/JERUSALEM, March 14 - U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to order strikes on the petroleum infrastructure of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a warning that could further roil markets already coping with a historic disruption in supply. Read more at straitstimes.com.
WASHINGTON/DUBAI/JERUSALEM, March 14 - U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to order strikes on the petroleum infrastructure of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a warning that could further roil markets already coping with a historic disruption in supply.
Trump paired his ultimatum with a social media post saying the United States had "totally obliterated" military targets on the island, the export terminal for 90% of Iran's oil shipments, which lies about 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the strait.
U.S. strikes did not target Kharg's oil infrastructure, but "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 wrote.
Iran had no ability to defend against U.S. attacks, the president added. "Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!" he posted on Truth Social.
Iran's armed forces responded on Saturday by saying any strike on their country's oil and energy infrastructure would lead to strikes on facilities owned by oil companies cooperating with the United States in the region, Iranian media reported.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing sources, that more than 15 explosions were heard on Kharg Island during the U.S. attacks. The sources said the attacks targeted air defenses, a naval base, and airport facilities, but caused no damage to oil infrastructure.
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