The U.S. military conducted precision airstrikes on more than 90 Iranian military sites on Kharg Island on March 13, 2026, according to footage released by U.S. Central Command. The strikes deliberately spared oil infrastructure, signaling a targeted effort to pressure Iran amid threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments.

Kharg Island handles approximately 95 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it a strategically vital economic hub. U.S. officials stated that the strikes aim to deter Iran from obstructing maritime traffic through the Strait, a move that energy analysts warn could increase global oil prices by 20–30 percent. By focusing on military targets while preserving energy facilities, the U.S. demonstrates a calibrated approach intended to weaken Tehran’s operational capabilities without triggering an energy crisis.

This operation is part of a broader campaign under President Trump’s administration to degrade Iranian military and nuclear capabilities while protecting key global economic interests. By targeting military assets and avoiding civilian or industrial infrastructure, U.S. forces seek to maintain pressure on Iran while managing the geopolitical and economic fallout of the ongoing conflict.