Trump threatens Iran's oil infra as strike exchanges resume: 'Will hit very hard tonight'
Following consecutive days of US airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks, the president warned that Washington will punish Iran as it did with Venezuela
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to be on the verge of collapse after both sides exchanged attacks this week, with President Donald Trump threatening to launch hard strikes on Thursday (June 11) night. The latest escalation began after a US Army Apache helicopter was brought down earlier this week, prompting Washington to launch what it described as “self-defence strikes” against Iranian military targets.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it carried out additional strikes inside Iran on Wednesday (June 10), targeting military infrastructure and air defence systems. The operations marked the second consecutive day of direct US military action against Iranian targets, signalling a significant deterioration in efforts to maintain the truce announced in April.
Trump’s latest warning
Amid the escalating conflict, Trump warned that his country would continue its military operations against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded and declared that the US would strike Iran “very hard” again. The statement followed a similar warning issued a day earlier and underscored Washington’s willingness to sustain military pressure despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump said, "The United States will be hitting Iran (whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti-Aircraft, and all other forms of Defence, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT."
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Trump also made one of his most provocative remarks since the latest crisis began, saying that the US would eventually take control of Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure.
"At some point in the not-too-distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America," Trump added in his post.
Why Kharg Island matters
Kharg Island is Iran’s most important oil-export terminal and a critical pillar of the country's export economy. Industry estimates suggest that the island handles the overwhelming majority of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it one of the most strategically significant energy assets in the Middle East.
Any move against Kharg Island would represent a major escalation beyond military retaliation, directly targeting Iran’s economic lifeline. Analysts warn that disruption to the facility could have consequences for global energy markets, particularly at a time when concerns over shipping security in the Gulf remain high.
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Trump’s comments have therefore raised fears that the conflict could expand from military exchanges to economic warfare, potentially affecting global oil supplies and pushing energy prices higher.
Iran retaliates
Iran responded to the latest US strikes by targeting American military installations in the Gulf. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck US-linked facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan during the latest waves of operations.
Regional authorities reported the activation of air-defence systems, while US officials said several incoming missiles and drones were intercepted. The retaliatory attacks reflected Tehran’s determination to respond directly rather than through proxy groups, further intensifying tensions across the region.
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Iranian media also reported air-defence activity and explosions in several parts of the country, including areas around the cities of Tehran, Bandar Abbas and Isfahan, indicating the wide geographical scope of the confrontation.
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic channels remain open. Reports indicate that officials from Qatar have been holding discussions with Iranian leaders in coordination with the US in an effort to prevent a broader regional conflict.