Trump says US will hit Iran ‘very hard’, warns of action against Kharg Island and oil facilities

US President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest warnings yet against Iran, declaring that the United States would be “hitting Iran very hard” and signaling potential future action against Kharg Island and other key Iranian oil infrastructure.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following recent military clashes between US and Iranian forces. Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy, air force, radar systems and air defenses, had been significantly degraded during the conflict.

Kharg Island has emerged as a focal point in the standoff. The island handles the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil exports and is widely considered the backbone of the country’s energy export network. Earlier this year, US forces conducted strikes against military facilities on Kharg Island while deliberately avoiding oil infrastructure. Trump had previously warned that oil facilities could become targets if Iran continued to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest comments have intensified concerns in energy markets, as Kharg Island processes a substantial portion of Iran’s oil exports. Any disruption to operations there could have significant implications for global crude supplies and shipping routes. Analysts have long identified the island as one of the most strategically important energy assets in the Middle East.

Trump’s remarks also referenced US efforts to maintain oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. He claimed that US military operations had helped ensure the movement of more than 100 million barrels of oil despite ongoing regional instability.

Oil markets have reacted sharply to the escalating rhetoric. Brent crude and US crude futures have experienced heightened volatility in recent sessions as traders assess the risk of further supply disruptions and potential escalation in the region.

While Trump’s comments suggest a tougher stance toward Iran, there has been no official announcement of plans to seize or permanently control Iranian territory. Any such move would represent a major escalation with significant geopolitical and economic consequences.

The situation remains fluid, with investors closely monitoring developments across the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s key energy export infrastructure.