Trump says U.S. bombed Kharg Island, striking core of Iran's oil economy

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5. US hits Iran's critical oil export hub as war enters third week

US hits Iran’s critical oil export hub as war enters third week

Iran warns of retaliatory strikes on regional oil infrastructure if its own facilities are targeted, reports state media.

Updated 5:17 AM EDT, Sat March 14, 2026

Here's the latest
• Critical island hit: President Donald Trump said the US “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports. He threatened to attack the island’s oil infrastructure if Tehran continues blocking ships from using the Strait of Hormuz.

• Iran’s threat: Tehran warned of retaliatory strikes if its own energy facilities were attacked, according to state media. It also reported that no oil infrastructure on Kharg Island was damaged.

• Strait traffic: Iran is considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, provided that the cargo is traded in Chinese yuan, a senior Iranian official told CNN.

• Regional attacks: 12 medical workers were killed after a strike hit a healthcare center in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting strikes on their territory. And in Iraq, fire and smoke was seen near the US Embassy in Baghdad.