U.S. Strikes Iran’s Kharg Island, Trump Warns ‘Whole Civilisation Will Die Tonight’

The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island on Tuesday, just hours before President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expired.

US officials said more than 50 military targets were hit on the island. The strikes focused on defence sites and did not target oil export facilities. Iranian media reported several explosions across the island.

Kharg Island is located off Iran’s western coast and is the country’s main oil export hub. It handles about 90 per cent of Iran’s crude exports and has a loading capacity of around seven million barrels per day. The island lies roughly 30 kilometres from the mainland.

The latest attack is the second US strike on the island since March 13, when American forces hit multiple sites including missile storage areas, naval facilities and air defence systems.

The strikes came shortly before Trump’s self-set deadline of 8:00 pm ET (5:30 am IST) for Iran to agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route that carries over 20 per cent of global oil supply.

Ahead of the deadline, Trump posted on Truth Social that a “whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran does not agree to his terms. He said he did not want that outcome but believed it could happen. He also described the moment as one of the most important in global history.

The US President has repeatedly warned that Washington could target Iran’s civilian and energy infrastructure, including bridges, power plants and desalination facilities, if no agreement is reached. In earlier remarks, he said the US had plans that could cripple the country’s infrastructure within hours.

At the same time, Trump indicated that a diplomatic outcome was still possible, saying something positive could happen if Iran responds.

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed the strikes on Kharg Island and said they do not represent a change in strategy. He said the US is not targeting energy infrastructure for now and is waiting to see if Iran makes a proposal that can be accepted.

The conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has tightened control over the passage since late February following US and Israeli military actions. Reports suggest that a large share of vessels moving through the Strait during the conflict are linked to Iran and its allies.

Tehran is also considering imposing transit fees on ships using the route. Earlier, a parliamentary panel approved plans to introduce tolls for vessels passing through the Strait.

Countries such as India, China, Pakistan and Turkey remain exposed to the situation as they depend heavily on oil shipments through the route.

Iran has rejected a ceasefire proposal reportedly mediated by Pakistan. Instead, it has put forward a 10-point plan that calls for an end to regional conflicts, safe passage through the Strait, lifting of sanctions and reconstruction efforts. Iran has also demanded recognition of its authority over the Strait.

At the same time, the exchanges have continued across the region. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 18 drones, while strong interception blasts were heard in Aqaba, Jordan.

In the United States, Trump’s statements have triggered criticism from lawmakers. Several have called for his removal under the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, saying his threats and actions are dangerous and could lead to serious consequences.

References: indianexpress, firstpost