SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images
- President Donald Trump said the US has destroyed military targets on Kharg Island.
- The island, located off the coast of Iran, is central to the country's oil empire.
- Trump said the strikes did not damage the island's oil infrastructure.
President Donald Trump said late Friday that the US had "totally obliterated" military targets on Kharg Island, an island off the coast of Iran that is central to its oil empire.
"Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran's crown jewel, Kharg Island," Trump wrote.
"Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island," he added.
"However, 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 continued. "Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it!"
Representatives for CENTCOM and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
What is Kharg Island?
Kharg Island is a small island in the Persian Gulf, located roughly 300 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, which is known for its significance to Iran's oil production.
Refineries on the island process nearly all of the nation's oil exports. Disruption to the facilities there could have a significant impact on the global oil shortage, further driving up costs.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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