US Bombs Military Sites on Iran’s Kharg Island, Trump Says
The United States bombed military sites on Friday on Iran‘s Kharg Island, which is vital to Iran’s oil network, according to President Donald Trump. The strike was carried out as part of the ongoing war between the US and Iran, with both sides launching attacks against each other.
Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the US forces “obliterated” targets on the island, warning that the island’s oil infrastructure could be next. This comes just a day after the speaker of the Iranian parliament said that such a strike would provoke a new level of retaliation.
The bombing was part of a larger escalation of violence between the two countries, with Iran launching widespread missile and drone attacks against Israel and neighboring Gulf states. The US has responded by launching airstrikes against military targets in Iran.
Marines and Assault Ship Headed to Middle East
In addition to the bombing on Kharg Island, the US is also sending more troops to the Middle East. According to a US official, 2,500 more Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being sent to the region nearly two weeks into the war with Iran.
The Marines and assault ship will be part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which specializes in conducting amphibious landings, bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and providing disaster relief. The deployment does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The war between the US and Iran has also led to a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where nearly 800 people have been killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. The crisis shows no signs of letting up, with both sides continuing to launch attacks against each other.
Oil Tanker Burns After Being Hit by Iranian Strike
In a separate incident, an oil tanker burned after being hit by an Iranian strike in the ship-to-ship transfer zone at Khor al-Zubair port near Basra, Iraq. The attack was part of Iran‘s efforts to disrupt global oil supplies and put pressure on the US and its allies.
The war between the US and Iran has rattled the global economy and shows no signs of letting up. Both sides are continuing to launch attacks against each other, with no clear end in sight.
Original Article: Trump says US bombed military sites on an island vital to Iran’s oil network — Newsday