Trump said targeting Iran’s Kharg Island was “not high on the list” in a Fox News Radio interview before announcing US strikes on the strategic oil hub.

Snapshot AI

  • Trump initially dismissed Kharg Island strike as a priority
  • US forces later bombed military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island
  • Oil prices rose above $102 after the Kharg Island attack

US President Donald Trump said targeting Iran’s Kharg Island was “not high on the list” during a radio interview that aired on Friday morning, only hours before announcing that US forces had carried out a major strike on the island.

The remarks, made during an interview on Fox News Radio, are now circulating widely on social media after Trump later said the United States had “obliterated” military targets on the island, which is widely seen as the centre of Iran’s oil export network.

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Trump dismisses question on Kharg Island strike

During the interview, Trump was asked whether he was considering taking control of Kharg Island, a strategic energy hub off Iran’s coast.

Trump pushed back against the question and suggested such a move was not among his immediate priorities.

“It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds,” Trump said.

He also criticised the question itself, saying he would not publicly discuss potential military actions.

“I can’t answer a question like that… You shouldn’t be even asking it,” he said.

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“Let’s say I was going to do it, or let’s say I wasn’t going to do it. What would I tell you? ‘Oh yes, Brian, I’m thinking about doing it, let me let you know what time and when it’ll take place.’”

Trump added that the question itself was misguided.

“It’s sort of a foolish question, a little surprising for you, because you’re a smart man.”

Hours later, Trump announces strike on Kharg Island

Later on Friday, Trump said US forces had carried out a major bombing raid targeting military assets on Kharg Island, which he referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel”.

“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which began with large-scale military exchanges in late February.

Must Read | Trump breaches red line in Iran war: Why Kharg Island strike may cause alarm in China and the world

Strategic importance of Kharg Island

Kharg Island lies about 16 miles (26 km) off Iran’s coast and roughly 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

The island serves as the export point for about 90 percent of Iran’s oil shipments, making it a key pillar of the country’s energy infrastructure.

Large oil storage facilities are located on the island, and pipelines connected to it run offshore to several of Iran’s major oil and gas fields.

Despite the conflict entering its second week, the island had not been directly targeted earlier. According to a Wall Street Journal report earlier this week, Iran had been shipping out more fuel than before the war began.

Oil market concerns

Energy analysts have warned that attacks on infrastructure linked to Kharg Island could have major implications for global oil markets.

The strike comes as Iran continues to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping flows and pushing oil prices higher.

By Friday afternoon, Brent crude had climbed above $102 per barrel, reflecting rising concerns about supply disruptions in the Middle East.