‘May Hit a Few More Times Just For Fun’: Trump Warns of More US Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island

United States President Donald Trump stated that the US might carry out additional military operations against Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance enters its third week.

In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump asserted that earlier American strikes had "totally demolished" most of the island's oil infrastructure.

He added that the US "may hit it a few more times just for fun."

During the hostilities, US forces have conducted airstrikes on military installations on the island, targeting several locations including missile storage facilities and defence sites.

Earlier reports suggested that the oil export infrastructure had remained largely undamaged. However, Trump stated on Saturday that the US had indeed struck the island, describing it as a critical hub for Iran’s oil trade.

Why is Kharg Island a crucial hub for Iran’s crude oil exports?

The President claimed that US forces had "obliterated" military installations on Kharg Island. Located in the Persian Gulf, the island functions as the main gateway for Iran’s crude oil shipments to global markets.

Although the terminals themselves were not the main focus of the recent strikes, Trump warned that energy infrastructure could become a target if Tehran continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Kharg Island lies about 30 kilometres off the Iranian coast near Bushehr and is considered Iran’s economic lifeline, facilitating roughly 90 per cent of the country’s crude exports.

Meanwhile, a joint US-Israel strike destroyed the Iranian Space Research Centre, reducing the facility to rubble, according to a report by Al Jazeera on Sunday.

The centre operated under the Iranian Space Agency and served as a major scientific institution responsible for advancing Iran’s space technology and research programmes.

What role did the Iranian Space Research Centre play in Iran’s space technology and satellite development?

It focused on satellite development, space science and aerospace engineering, while conducting studies on satellite design, remote sensing, telecommunications and space exploration technologies.

The institution also worked with universities and research organisations to train scientists and engineers in space science, aiming to strengthen Iran’s technological capabilities and expand its role in satellite based applications and space research.

Negotiations between Washington and Tehran earlier in 2026 attempted to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but diplomatic efforts collapsed and led to open military confrontation.

Iran retaliated swiftly by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones towards Israeli cities and United States military bases across the region, including installations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Some of the attacks caused casualties and major infrastructure damage. Despite Israel’s advanced missile defence systems, several missiles struck populated areas and resulted in deaths and injuries.

The war has spread beyond the main countries involved. The Iran-backed group Hezbollah has intensified rocket attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes on targets in Lebanon and raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.

Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has also come under threat. The disruption of shipping routes through the waterway has pushed global oil prices higher and raised concerns over international energy security.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has also become a growing concern. Airstrikes in Iran have damaged civilian infrastructure including schools, hospitals and residential areas, while missile attacks in Israel have affected civilian neighbourhoods.

Countries across the Gulf region are also facing economic pressure due to attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure.

The war continues with no clear end in sight. International organisations and several governments have called for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement.

However, with both sides continuing military operations and accusing each other of aggression, the conflict risks evolving into a prolonged regional war with major global consequences.

(With inputs from ANI)