Trump Threatens US Strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, But Holds Fire

President Trump said the U.S. is “locked and loaded” to destroy Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub but has chosen not to strike, signaling pressure for Tehran to negotiate. CENTCOM had earlier attacked Kharg Island as part of Operation Epic Fury, targeting facilities while sparing the oil infrastructure. Axios reports discussions of seizing Kharg as an “economic knockout,” a move with high risks of Iranian retaliation and wider Gulf disruption. Iran’s Foreign Minister says Tehran is ready to defend itself and not yet ready for ceasefire or concessions, while negotiations remain uncertain.