Trump threatens more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, pushes allies on Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened additional military strikes on Iran's crucial Kharg Island oil export facility and called upon allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as the war with Iran shows no signs of de-escalation.
On March 13, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced American airstrikes targeting approximately 90 military sites on Iran's Kharg Island, which serves as Iran's primary oil export hub. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes hit only military targets, including missiles, drones, and manufacturing facilities, while sparing oil infrastructure. Trump released video footage showing what he described as the 'total obliteration' of these military assets. The president threatened further strikes, including potentially on oil facilities, if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stating on social media: 'should Iran... do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.'
On March 14, Trump escalated his rhetoric in NBC interviews, hinting at additional attacks 'just for fun' and claiming the strikes 'totally demolished' much of the island's military capabilities. He questioned Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's survival as a 'rumor' and dismissed ongoing deal talks with Iran as having 'terms that aren't good enough yet.' This came amid reports of Iran's possible mine-laying activities in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes.
Speculation has grown about potential U.S. military escalation, with reports suggesting around 2,500 U.S. Marines and an amphibious ship heading to the region, potentially to seize the island for strategic control over Iran's oil exports and Hormuz navigation. Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested such a move. The strikes aim to neutralize threats without crashing global energy markets, as Kharg Island hosts Iran's key oil facility vital for global oil flows.
Philippine news sources have reported on the broader regional tensions, with ABS-CBN's Dateline Philippines covering Iran's Supreme Leader vowing vengeance on the U.S. and Israel amid rising tensions. The same broadcast noted a big oil price hike scheduled for the following week and the U.S. issuance of a 30-day license for Russian oil. Bilyonaryo News reported Iran's new Supreme Leader vowing to maintain leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, linking it to oil shocks pressuring Philippine industries, potential BSP rate hikes by April, and unemployment at 5.8%. While Philippine sources confirm the regional tensions are affecting oil prices and economic conditions, they do not provide specific details about Trump's threats or the military situation beyond general coverage of Iran-U.S. tensions.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.