President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that a series of overnight airstrikes carried out against Iran directly targeted Kharg Island, the central infrastructure hub for the country’s oil export economy.
Speaking to reporters during a NATO summit in Ankara, Trump detailed the scope and intent of the military operation, stating that the strikes specifically avoided crucial oil pipelines while disabling other facilities on the island. The president indicated that the tactical choices were intended to leave future strategic options open regarding the oil infrastructure.
When asked by a reporter about the overall effectiveness of the overnight engagement and the message it sends to Iranian leadership, Trump noted that the military action has already altered the region’s dynamic.
“I think it has a tremendous impact,” Trump said. “Well, first of all, we took out additional — you know, they were trying to rebuild their radar, and they had about 60% built. Now they have to start all over again.”
The president emphasized that the overnight operation did not represent the maximum capability of the U.S. military, listing several critical civilian and logistical networks that could face future targeting if tensions continue to escalate.
“Look, we’re not attacking at the highest level,” Trump stated. “The highest level are the bridges there, which we can knock down. I would say in one day, we’d knock down every single bridge in Iran. There’s not a thing they can do about it.”
Trump also identified Iran’s domestic power grid and water infrastructure as potential future targets, though he expressed reluctance to strike vital civilian utilities unless deemed absolutely necessary.
“Their electric manufacturing facilities, right? The electric plants where they make their electricity — we will, if we have to, take them out. I don’t want to do that, but if we have to, we’ll take them out. They have desalination plants. We’ll take them out if we have to. I hate to do that. That’s probably the one I would like not to do, at least,” he added.
Regarding the specific orders given to the military forces operating on Kharg Island, Trump explained the strategic rationale behind preserving the core oil extraction and transport capabilities.
“We attacked Kharg Island last night. We knocked out a piece. I said, ‘Don’t touch the oil,’ because maybe we’ll take over Kharg Island. You know, we may take over Kharg Island. There’s not a thing they can do about it. But I said, ‘Don’t hit the pipes. Just hit everything else.’ And they hit it. They may hit it again tonight,” Trump said.
Concluding his remarks on the situation, the president signaled that the pressure campaign against Iran would continue, framing the military response as a direct consequence of recent Iranian actions. “So, you know, ask me a question. Normally, I’m not that way, but they really deserve it,” Trump said.
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