2 hours ago
Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 13:17 IST
Iran's warning comes after Trump said US had “obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island. He is now weighing the possibility of seizing the island’s critical oil depot.
US President Donald Trump and Iran's New Supreme Leader Majtaba Khamenei | File Image
Iran has warned United States President Donald Trump after reports claimed he is considering capturing Kharg Island. Tehran said the response to US attacks would be “decisive and powerful."
“If US attacks Iran’s Kharg Island, Tehran’s response will be decisive and powerful. In this case, oil and gas facilities of the country from which the attack originates will be turned to ashes," Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said, as cited by Tasnim.
The warning comes days after Trump said the United States had “obliterated every military target" on Kharg Island. He is now weighing the possibility of seizing the island’s critical oil depot, according to an Axios report citing American officials. The move would require US troops on the ground if oil tankers continue to remain trapped in the Persian Gulf.
Why Kharg Island matters?
Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is Iran’s main terminal for oil exports and a crucial part of its energy sector. Often called Iran’s “crown jewel", the island handles around 90-95 per cent of the country’s crude oil exports.
The terminal can load up to ten supertankers at the same time and has a loading capacity of roughly seven million barrels per day.
Despite heavy bombing of military facilities, Iranian state media said oil export operations on the island were continuing as normal.
The development comes as Trump has also threatened further strikes on the oil export hub and urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
US forces have continued to strike Iranian targets across the country, with particular focus on the Persian Gulf coast and Kharg Island.
The island lies about 15 miles off Iran’s coast and handles roughly 90 per cent of its crude exports. Trump announced on Friday that he had ordered strikes on military installations on the island but spared its oil facilities.
Iran has said it will intensify its response as tensions continue to rise.
First Published:
March 17, 2026, 13:17 IST
News world Iran Warns Trump Of ‘Decisive’ Response As US Eyes Kharg Island: ‘Will Be Turned To Ashes’
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