Washington, D.C. | July 15, 2026
Trump Kharg Island comments have drawn international attention after US President Donald Trump said he instructed the US military not to target Iran’s oil infrastructure on Kharg Island, arguing that damage to the facilities could have serious consequences for the global economy. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump also declined to rule out future military action involving the strategic island or the possibility of a ground operation against Iran.
His remarks come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran and follow previous statements warning Iran to return to negotiations.
Trump Says Oil Facilities Were Deliberately Spared
During the interview, Trump claimed that US forces carried out two or three strikes targeting Kharg Island but intentionally avoided damaging the island’s oil export infrastructure.
According to Trump, he personally instructed military commanders not to attack the oil terminals because they play a significant role in global energy markets.
He said the United States has the capability to target those facilities in the future if necessary but indicated that such action is not currently anticipated.
These statements are Trump’s account of military operations and have not been independently verified.
Future Action Against Oil Infrastructure Not Ruled Out
Although Trump emphasized that the oil facilities were spared, he suggested that future circumstances could lead to a different decision.
He said the United States retains the military capability to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure if required.
However, he added that he currently considers such a scenario unlikely, citing broader economic implications.
No Clear Answer on Seizing Kharg Island
When asked whether the United States intends to seize control of Kharg Island, Trump declined to provide a direct answer.
Instead, he said such decisions would depend on future military developments and whether Iran’s military capabilities are sufficiently weakened.
He did not announce any operational plans or policy changes regarding the strategically important island.
Ground Operation Still an Option
Trump also declined to rule out the possibility of a US ground operation.
He said there are situations in which ground forces may become necessary, although he did not indicate whether such an operation is currently under consideration.
The President also suggested that, in some circumstances, military objectives could be achieved with the assistance of other forces or regional partners.
No formal announcement regarding a ground deployment has been made.
Claims About Iran’s Military Capability
During the interview, Trump argued that recent US military operations have significantly weakened Iran’s military infrastructure.
He claimed that the damage has been so extensive that rebuilding certain capabilities could take approximately 20 years if current conditions persist.
Trump further stated that negotiations with Iran are most effective when backed by military strength.
These assessments represent the President’s views and have not been independently verified.
Military Campaign Would Continue, Trump Says
Trump said US military operations against Iran would continue until he decides their objectives have been achieved.
According to him, Iran still retains some military capability but is significantly weaker than before.
He did not specify any timeline for ending military operations or outline additional planned actions.
Why Kharg Island Matters
Kharg Island is located in the Persian Gulf and serves as Iran’s principal crude oil export terminal.
The island is considered one of the country’s most strategically important energy assets because a substantial share of Iran’s oil exports passes through its facilities.
Any disruption to operations on Kharg Island could:
- Reduce global oil supplies.
- Increase international crude oil prices.
- Affect energy-importing countries, including India and several Asian economies.
- Influence global shipping and energy markets.
Because of its importance to international energy trade, developments involving Kharg Island are closely monitored by governments, energy companies, and financial markets worldwide.
