US president threatens further attacks on Kharg Island, urges naval deployment in Hormuz
March 15, 2026: Donald Trump warned that the United States could launch additional strikes on Kharg Island, saying the attacks might happen “just for fun” as tensions with Iran continue to escalate. Trump claimed earlier US strikes had “totally demolished” much of the island, a key centre for Iran’s oil exports, though he said energy pipelines were deliberately spared because rebuilding them would take years.
The US president also said Iran had shown interest in negotiating an end to the conflict but insisted Washington would only accept a “very solid” agreement. Reports suggested the US administration had rejected attempts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate talks aimed at de-escalating the crisis, indicating that diplomatic efforts remain stalled as the confrontation intensifies.
Trump also urged countries dependent on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to send warships to help secure the vital shipping route. Iranian leaders, however, have vowed to keep the strait closed, fuelling volatility in global energy markets. Meanwhile, the United States Central Command said American forces had carried out precision strikes on multiple military targets in the region while trying to avoid damage to critical oil infrastructure.