From “Not A Priority” To “Obliterated”: Trump’s 12-Hour Pivot On Kharg Island

WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — In a stunning military and diplomatic reversal, President Donald Trump ordered a massive aerial bombardment of Kharg Island on Friday, March 13, 2026, just hours after telling the press that the site was “not high on the list” of priorities.

The strike, which Trump described as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East,” targeted every military installation on the island but intentionally spared the oil infrastructure—for now.

1. The Morning Interview: A Strategic Feint?

During a Friday morning appearance on media, Trump was asked directly by host Brian Kilmeade if the U.S. intended to take control of Kharg Island.

• The Dismissal: Trump initially labeled the question “foolish,” stating, “It’s not high on the list, but it’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds.”
• The Logic: He critiqued the idea of telegraphing military moves, telling the host, “What would I tell you? ‘Oh, yes, Brian, I’m thinking about doing it, let me let you know what time?’”

2. The Afternoon Strike: “Obliterated”

By Friday afternoon, the President’s “seconds” had passed. Taking to Truth Social, he announced that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had executed a devastating raid.

• The Damage: Trump claimed the U.S. had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island.
• The “Crown Jewel”: Kharg Island is Iran’s most vital economic artery, facilitating 90% of its oil exports.
• The Oil Ultimatum: While the tankers and storage vats were spared, Trump warned that the energy infrastructure is the “next target” if Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

3. Global Economic Fallout

The strike on Kharg has sent shockwaves through the global energy market.

• Price Surge: By Friday evening, Brent crude soared past $102 a barrel, a direct result of fears that Iran’s primary export point is now a front-line combat zone.
• The Shipping Crisis: The strike is a direct response to Iran’s ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has throttled global supply chains for the past two weeks.
• The WSJ Report: Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that Iran had actually increased fuel shipments from Kharg since the war began on February 28, attempting to fund its war machine before the U.S. could intervene.

Timeline: The Fall of Kharg’s Defenses (March 13, 2026)