Image: from Ryan Rosser X @Rossernator12
By Open Chronicle Foreign Desk Sunday, March 15, 2026
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump issued a chilling ultimatum to Tehran on Saturday, threatening to “wipe out” the oil infrastructure of Kharg Island if Iran continues to obstruct the flow of global energy through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a series of weekend escalations, the U.S. President confirmed that American Central Command has already executed what he termed one of the “most powerful bombing raids” in Middle Eastern history. While the strikes reportedly “totally obliterated” military installations on Kharg Island, including air defenses, a naval base, and airport facilities, the island’s massive oil terminals, which handle 90% of Iran’s crude exports, were intentionally spared for now.
“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure,” Trump wrote in a social media post that rattled global markets. “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.”
Allies Pressed to Join Naval Coalition
The President is now ramping up pressure on international allies, urging nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to deploy warships to the region. Trump argued that since these nations are the primary beneficiaries of Middle Eastern oil, they must bear the burden of securing the passage.
“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage,” Trump stated, adding that the U.S. Navy would “soon” begin escorting tankers. Despite the call to arms, most allies remained cautious, with French and British officials suggesting they are exploring diplomatic and security “options” rather than committing immediate naval assets.
A Region on the Brink
The conflict, now entering its third week, has already claimed over 2,000 lives. In Iran, the Revolutionary Guards responded to the Kharg strikes by launching a wave of missiles and drones targeting Israel and three U.S. bases in the region. Tehran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained defiant, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a fifth of the world’s oil, effectively closed.
As gasoline prices at American pumps hit two-year highs and Asian markets grapple with fuel shortages, the “decent” restraint shown by the White House appears to have a fast-approaching expiration date. When asked how long the war might last, Trump told reporters, “It’ll be as long as it’s necessary.”