Trump Announces Massive U.S. Bombing Raid Against Iranian Targets
President Donald Trump announced Friday evening that the United States military carried out what he described as one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East. The strikes targeted Iranian military facilities on Kharg Island.
Trump revealed the operation in a post on Truth Social. He said the strikes were conducted by U.S. Central Command.
“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 said the United States intentionally avoided striking key oil infrastructure on the island. He described the decision as an act of restraint.
“Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.”
Trump also warned Iran against attempting to disrupt global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the most critical routes for international oil transport.
“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump said.
He also credited the strength of the U.S. military for the success of the operation. He said the armed forces have been rebuilt into what he called the most lethal military in the world.
“During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World,” he noted, adding Iran lacks the capability to defend against U.S. military strikes.
“Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it!” he wrote.
He also reiterated his long-standing position that Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Trump warned Iranian military forces to stand down. “Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World,” said Trump.
“Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!”
In a follow-up post, Trump said the strikes eliminated Iran’s broader ambitions in the region.
“Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THOSE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD!” he noted.
Later Friday, Trump released unclassified footage showing the bombing of Kharg Island. The footage appeared to show large explosions at several targets.
The president also spoke briefly with reporters at Joint Base Andrews as he departed for Palm Beach. He suggested the military campaign was unfolding successfully. “The situation in Iran is going very well. A lot of big hits today… We’re in very good control,” said the president.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that five U.S. Air Force refueling planes were struck and damaged during an Iranian drone attack in Saudi Arabia. The extent of the damage has not been publicly detailed.
Separately, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. All six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the incident.
