Trump Threatens More Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, Urges Allies to Secure Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of additional strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, and indicated he is not yet prepared to reach a deal with Tehran to end the ongoing war, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and shaken global energy markets.

With the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran entering its third week, Trump claimed that previous strikes “totally demolished” large parts of Kharg Island and cautioned of more attacks, stating to ‌NBC News, “We may hit it a few more times just for fun.” The remarks mark a sharp escalation, as earlier strikes reportedly targeted only military sites.

Trump called on countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz blockade to assist in reopening shipping lanes. European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss expanding the EU Aspides naval mission, aimed at protecting shipping in the region.

“Tehran appeared ready to make a deal to ⁠end the fighting but the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump added, raising the possibility that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may have been killed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded, confirming Khamenei is “in full health and managing the situation.”

The conflict has severely disrupted oil and gas transportation, with Iran effectively blocking most international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since February 28. The International Energy Agency has said this represents the largest disruption to global oil markets in history, potentially reducing global supply by 8% in March.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expects the war to conclude within “the next few weeks,” which could restore supplies and stabilize prices. Meanwhile, crude oil remains above $100 per barrel, placing pressure on global markets and U.S. domestic politics.

Trump also urged countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to deploy warships to ensure safe passage through the strait, writing on social media: “The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help – A LOT! The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”

In response, Iran has conducted missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Israeli targets, while Israel has launched strikes on western Iranian cities, including Hamadan. Iranian security forces reportedly detained dozens accused of collaborating with Israel, and at least 15 people were killed in an airstrike on an industrial facility in Isfahan.

Araqchi emphasized that Iran is not targeting civilian areas and expressed willingness to form a regional investigative committee to examine attacks on energy infrastructure. He warned that Iran would respond to any further assaults on its facilities.

The war continues to escalate, with Middle Eastern countries and global powers seeking ways to protect energy supply routes while avoiding further conflict.