Iran Threatens Oil Infrastructure After US Kharg Strike

TEHRAN: (Web Desk) – Iran’s armed forces warned on Saturday that they could target oil and energy infrastructure linked to the United States after President Donald Trump claimed that American forces had carried out strikes on Iran’s strategic oil hub, Kharg Island.

In a statement reported by Iranian media, the military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that if Iran’s energy facilities were attacked, oil and energy assets belonging to companies cooperating with the United States would be “immediately destroyed.”

The warning followed comments by Trump on social media, where he said US strikes had “obliterated” military targets on Kharg Island. He also threatened further action against the island’s oil infrastructure if Iran continued to block shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Located roughly 30 kilometres from Iran’s southern coast, Kharg Island handles nearly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports, making it one of Tehran’s most vital energy facilities.

The conflict has disrupted global markets and pushed oil prices sharply higher. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled due to Iranian military activity, increasing concerns among governments and investors about a possible global energy shortage and rising inflation.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had been wounded and possibly disfigured during nearly two weeks of US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

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Speaking at a briefing, Hegseth questioned Khamenei’s ability to govern, noting that the leader had only issued a written statement recently rather than appearing publicly on video or audio. He also said that Iran’s former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed earlier in the conflict.

Regional Escalation

Violence also spread across the region. In Baghdad, explosions struck positions linked to the Iran-backed militia Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members including a senior figure, according to security sources.

Since the war began, several strikes targeting Iran-aligned groups in Iraq have been attributed to the United States and Israel.

Trump also said the US Navy would soon begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the flow of global energy supplies.

Missile and Air Strikes Across Region

Iran launched another wave of missiles toward Israel overnight, though Israeli authorities reported no casualties. Air raid sirens sounded in multiple areas as the Israeli military attempted to intercept the projectiles.

In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on a health facility in the south reportedly killed 12 medical workers, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Another strike earlier in the day killed two paramedics linked to Hezbollah and the Amal movement.

Since early March, Israeli strikes have reportedly killed more than 770 people in Lebanon.

The leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said the group was prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Israel after entering the conflict following the killing of Ali Khamenei.

Growing Military Build-Up

Reports also suggest that the United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East. According to US media, Washington is deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Marine expeditionary unit of roughly 2,500 personnel.

Meanwhile, oil prices remained elevated, with Brent Crude closing at about $103 per barrel after surging more than 40 percent since the conflict began.

Wider Impact

In another development, Qatar said its air defences intercepted two missiles over the capital Doha after explosions were heard in the city. Authorities evacuated several key areas as a precaution while residents sought shelter in underground car parks.

Elsewhere, a drone strike targeted the United States Embassy Baghdad, according to Iraqi security officials, with smoke seen rising from the compound.

The conflict is also disrupting international events, with planned races in the Formula One calendar in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia expected to be cancelled or postponed due to the escalating regional war.