Reactions and statements from the international community
Between 90 and 95 percent of Iran's crude oil exports are carried out through the two existing jetties on Kharg Island, which also houses a petrochemical complex, gas processing facilities, and a desalination unit.
The Head of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Eje’i, threatened Iranian citizens, stating that those who verbally or actively support America and Israel will be treated as enemies according to wartime principles. This warning comes as the Intelligence Organization of the Revolutionary Guards also issued threats against any form of protest or expression of dissent.
President Donald Trump of the United States published aerial images on Truth Social showing his country's military attack on military targets in Kharg Island, which is located 26 kilometers from Iran's coast and serves as the export terminal for about 90 percent of Iran's oil shipments.
Reza Taghizadeh-Nik, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Republic, stated that attacks will continue until the opposing side provides "harsh punishment" and compensation as "blood money." Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, also referenced the need for compensation.
On January 10, 2026, Donald Trump posted a video on his Truth Social account announcing that the U.S. military, acting on his orders, conducted a significant attack on military targets on Kharg Island, Iran.
On Saturday, March 13, 2026, Hamas issued a statement calling on the Iranian government to refrain from attacking Arab countries in the region, while affirming Iran's right to respond to attacks according to international norms. Since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched reciprocal attacks on Gulf Arab countries, targeting American bases but also hitting civilian areas, particularly in Dubai, resulting in significant civilian casualties over the past two weeks.
Abolqasem Salavati, a judge in the Islamic Republic of Iran, sentenced journalist Babak Taghvaee to 10 years in prison on false charges of working for British intelligence, forcing Taghvaee into exile. Salavati, referred to as the "butcher of Khamenei," was walking freely in Tehran's city center.
Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military attack on Iran's Kharg Island, he released a video on Truth Social showing the bombing of military targets, including airport facilities. The Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters responded by threatening to target regional oil facilities owned or cooperated with by the U.S. if Iran's energy infrastructure is attacked.
Hours after the US attack on Kharg Island ordered by Trump, social media users are sharing Trump's 1988 remarks where he stated he would severely target Kharg Island if Iran posed any military threat to the United States. In these comments, Trump said he would deal with Iran "harshly" and target Kharg Island even if Iran fired a single bullet at US forces or ships.
On December 15, 2025, the US Army conducted an airstrike on Kharg Island, Iran, where more than 15 explosions were reported, with thick smoke rising from some areas. Iranian media confirmed the attack but reported no damage to the island's oil infrastructure and no immediate details on casualties.
On Al Quds Day in New York City, protesters declared support for the Islamic Republic and condemned the alleged US-Zionist assassination of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, calling martyrdom the highest honor.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military carried out a massive bombing operation against military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, describing it as one of the most powerful attacks in Middle Eastern history. Trump ordered the attack to target military sites exclusively, avoiding oil infrastructure for humanitarian reasons.
