US airstrikes hit Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub as regional tensions rise

Dubai — The United States escalated its military campaign against Iran on Saturday by launching airstrikes on Kharg Island, a critical hub responsible for 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. The attack marks a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, now entering its third week.

According to reports, US forces targeted military installations on Kharg Island. The move comes amid heightened hostilities following earlier attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran that began on February 28. The strikes on Kharg Island are expected to have a substantial impact on Iran’s energy exports, as the facility is central to the country’s oil industry.

In response, Tehran issued a warning that it would retaliate against any regional facility connected to the United States. Iranian officials stated that any such site could become a target if the conflict continues to escalate.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced that “many countries” would be sending warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. The US embassy in Baghdad also issued an advisory urging American citizens to leave Iraq, reflecting growing concerns over the safety of US nationals in the region.

The Iranian military claimed to have launched missile attacks on US forces stationed at a Saudi base. Additionally, Iran’s military asserted that it had “neutralised” a US aircraft carrier, though further details regarding this claim were not provided in the available reports.

Earlier, a drone strike had disrupted operations at an energy facility in the United Arab Emirates, further highlighting the expanding scope of the conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides exchanging threats and military actions.

As the conflict continues, the risk of broader regional involvement remains high, with the potential for further disruptions to energy infrastructure and international shipping routes.