Trump news at a glance: president says Iran’s Kharg Island ‘demolished’ and threatens more strikes ‘just for fun’

The Guardian US News
by Guardian staff
March 15, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

President Trump says US strikes demolished Iran's oil hub and threatens more attacks.

How This Affects You

Oil supply disruptions from attacks on Iran's export facilities could increase gas prices at the pump.

AI Summary

President Trump announced that US strikes have "totally demolished" much of Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and threatened additional attacks "just for fun." In comments to NBC News on March 14, Trump also questioned without evidence whether Iran's new supreme leader "is even alive." The president's remarks deflated hopes of reaching a diplomatic deal with Tehran to end the ongoing conflict. Trump's aggressive rhetoric signals an escalation in tensions with Iran while closing the door on near-term negotiations. The statements come as the US has apparently launched military strikes against Iran's critical oil infrastructure at Kharg Island.

Source Coverage Map

25 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

58% coverage
Did Not Cover (18)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP Top News96ProPublica95Bellingcat95+13 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Trump threatens more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, pushes allies on Strait of Hormuz - Reuters
National Security

Trump threatens more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, pushes allies on Strait of Hormuz - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixwFBVV95cUxOS0REc3k5MGJlQkh2MzVHWnFzdGNLWVlQNktONjFqWkJiSHl6OVhLcjd3RUpuS1FMeFBQVnluT1I1N1lreFJYVWpWSng0ZnlyUm8wQmtJbmdtNXBZejRUTkVlZ0FGLXZtXzNSdHdDUF8wanlFcVduUEc3aWNVWk1KOXgwY2FpMWQtLUpLOUN0TmNFLU9idERNRW1wMVZpU1d0MzVYdGpPMmhCWGdocWVlelVBTGxsSEg5LUdoTlpZMXhjUmdEdVZV?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump threatens more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, pushes allies on Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 15
Why Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil hub is still untouched by US-Israel bombers
Global

Why Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil hub is still untouched by US-Israel bombers

<p>While some argue for destroying the terminal though which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow, others caution of a global market ‘tailspin’</p><p>Kharg Island – through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow – is arguably the country’s most sensitive economic target but the export terminal has so far remained untouched throughout the US-Israel bombing campaign.</p><p>Experts say bombing or capturing the site with US forces would be likely to cause a sustained increase to already surging oil prices, as it would amount to taking the entirety of Iran’s daily crude exports offline.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/why-irans-vital-kharg-island-oil-hub-is-still-untouched-by-us-israel-bombers">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsMar 11
Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup, says Fifa president
Global

Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup, says Fifa president

US President Donald Trump has said Iran are "welcome" to take part in this summer's World Cup despite the countries being at war, according to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

BBC NewsMar 11
Kharg Island: Iran’s ‘untouchable’ oil artery?
Corporate

Kharg Island: Iran’s ‘untouchable’ oil artery?

It is the centerpiece of Iran's oil industry. Located some 25 kilometers, or 15 miles, off the shore of mainland Iran, Kharg Island is a small but vital strip of land, for the Iranian regime. Around 90% of its crude oil exports pass through here. FRANCE 24's Solange Mougin reports.

AFP / France 24Mar 10
Why Kharg Island is a strategic focus as Iran war escalates
Global

Why Kharg Island is a strategic focus as Iran war escalates

Global energy markets have been rocked by the U.S. war with Iran, as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been all but completely cut off. But one location that has not been hit is Kharg Island, which is roughly 16 miles off the coast of Iran and 300 miles from the Strait of Hormuz.…

The HillMar 9
WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference to answer questions about Iran
Global

WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference to answer questions about Iran

President Donald Trump is expected to provide an update on Iran and answer questions from reporters before he leaves Florida on Monday. He said it would begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. EDT — after markets close and with concerns rising about high oil and gasoline prices because of the war.

PBS NewsHourMar 9
Read Next
Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell
Politics

Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell

A federal judge blocked two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. Chief Judge James Boasberg wrote that "the Government has offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President."

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources