U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 13) that the United States has carried out strikes against "every military target" on Iran's Kharg Island export hub.

"For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"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."

Iran, the third largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, pumps about 4.5% of global oil supplies, with output of about 3.3 million barrels per day of crude, plus 1.3 million bpd of condensate and other liquids.

During the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, U.S. President Jimmy Carter imposed sanctions on Iran but refrained from ordering strikes on the island. His successor, Ronald Reagan, during the 1980s Iran-Iraq Tanker War, prioritised protecting shipping and targeting Iranian vessels and missile batteries, leaving Kharg untouched.

The island collects oil coming by pipeline from Iran’s largest producing fields, including Ahvaz, Marun and Gachsaran.

In the days leading up to the U.S.-Israeli attack, Iran ramped up exports from Kharg to near record levels, loading over 3 million bpd over February 15-20, nearly triple its normal export pace of around 1.3 million to 1.6 million bpd, according to JP Morgan.

Posted by: AAngeles/NET25 News