President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters and via a post on Truth Social, announced that the US had carried out one of the most powerful airstrikes in US history in the Middle East, destroying military targets on the Iranian island of Kharg, while warning that safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would be protected at all costs.
Shortly after the announcement of the Kharg bombing, Trump posted a video on Truth Social that allegedly shows US raids on the Iranian island, including attacks on airport facilities and a runway. Large explosions and black smoke are visible throughout the videos.
In comments before boarding Air Force One, President Trump referred to US "sovereignty" in Iran, saying Iran's naval and air power has been fundamentally weakened.
"Their naval power is gone. Their air force is gone. Most of their troops are gone... Almost everything is gone and you'll see it," he said.
Trump also said that the US strategy in the region remains crucial. In particular, he stressed that the US is in a position to dominate and that the escort of oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz will begin very soon. He stressed that the situation in Iran is going very well and that the US is in complete control.
Trump also posted a message on Truth Social, stating that, on his instructions, U.S. Central Command had carried out one of the most powerful airstrikes in the history of the Middle East, striking strategic targets on Iran's Kharg Island. He said that U.S. forces have the most powerful and advanced weapons the world has ever known.
However, he stressed that if Iran or anyone else tried to impede the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider that decision. Kharg Island is a 5-mile stretch of land off the Iranian coast that had apparently remained untouched during the first two weeks of the war with Iran. The critical island handles about 90 percent of the country's crude oil exports.
Trump said the US and Israel's goals in Iran may be slightly different, as the US-Israeli war with Iran enters its third week.
"Well, I think they might be a little different, I think, they're a different country than us. But he'll tell you, there's never been a power like the power of the United States," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One.
When asked by reporters if he speaks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu every day, the president replied: "I speak to him very often."
Trump reiterated that the Iranian government is unable to defend itself against the United States and declared that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons.
"Iran will never threaten the United States of America, the Middle East, and, in fact, the world," the US president said.
Trump's full post on Truth Social:
Right now, on my orders, U.S. Central Command has launched one of the most powerful airstrikes in Middle Eastern history, completely destroying every military target on Iran’s “jewel,” Kharg Island. Our weapons are the most powerful and advanced the world has ever known, but, for reasons of fairness, I have chosen not to destroy the island’s oil infrastructure. However, if Iran or anyone else attempts to impede the free and safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.
During my first term, and continuing to do so, I have rebuilt our military into the most lethal, powerful, and effective force ever, anywhere in the world. Iran does not have the ability to defend itself against anything we want to attack. There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER acquire a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States, the Middle East, or, indeed, the world! The Iranian military and all those associated with this terrorist regime would do well to lay down their weapons and save what is left of their country, which is not much! Thank you for your attention to this matter.