On March 14, the fifteenth day of the war, while tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the United States announced that it carried out a major attack on Kharg Island—an operation that U.S. officials described as one of the most powerful military operations in the region. At the same time, reports indicate an increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, new warnings from Iran’s regime to European countries, and growing concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, March 13, that under his order the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out a major attack on Kharg Island. In a message on the social media platform Truth Social, he said that all military targets on the island had been completely destroyed. Trump described the operation as one of the most powerful air strikes in the history of the Middle East and referred to Kharg Island as one of the most important assets of Iran’s regime.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s First Message; A Display of Authority or a Sign of a Deep Power Crisis?
Despite the attack, the U.S. president emphasized that the island’s oil infrastructure was not targeted. According to him, this decision was made for humanitarian and ethical reasons. Trump also warned that if Iran’s regime attempts to disrupt the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, that decision could change and oil facilities might also become targets. He further claimed that Iran’s regime does not have an effective defensive capability against U.S. attacks and reiterated that Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons.
Increased U.S. Military Presence
At the same time, media reports indicate an increased U.S. military presence in the region. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Defense has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy additional forces to the Middle East. According to U.S. officials, part of an amphibious ready group along with a Marine expeditionary unit will be deployed to the region.
According to the report, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, which had previously been stationed in Japan, is heading toward the Middle East along with U.S. Marines. American sources say the unit includes several warships and about 5,000 Marines and sailors. The Associated Press also reported that about 2,500 U.S. Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship is moving toward the region—an action that indicates a significant increase in Washington’s military presence in the Middle East.
On the other side of the crisis, officials of Iran’s regime have continued their threats. Ali Bahreini, the regime’s representative at the United Nations office in Geneva, warned in an interview with Euronews that any base or facility used to launch attacks against Iran would be considered a legitimate target for Iranian military forces. When asked whether this threat also includes military bases in Europe, he said Iran would defend its country “with any action that may be necessary.”
$10 Million Reward for Information on Mojtaba Khamenei
In another development, the U.S. Department of State announced a $10 million reward for information regarding Mojtaba Khamenei, the new leader of Iran’s regime, and several other senior officials of the government. The measure was announced under the Rewards for Justice program and also includes figures such as Ali Larijani, Eskandar Momeni, Esmail Khatib, and Yahya Rahim Safavi. Washington stated that information helping to identify the location of these individuals or bring those responsible for terrorist activities to justice would qualify for the reward.
Meanwhile, concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz have increased. John Healey, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence, said that London is prepared to participate in operations to clear the strategic waterway if Iran’s regime lays mines in the area. He stated that Britain’s autonomous naval mine-hunting systems could be used to clear shipping routes. However, he emphasized that no direct evidence of minelaying in the area has been found so far.
U.S. Central Command also announced that American forces have so far destroyed 16 mine-laying vessels affiliated with Iran’s regime. Tensions continue to expand and concerns about regional security and vital global energy routes are increasing.
