United States President Donald Trump has warned of further military action against Iran’s key oil export facility at Kharg Island and called on allied nations to send warships to protect the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that carries much of the world’s oil supplies. The escalation comes amid a rapidly intensifying conflict that began on February 28, when Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched joint operations against Iranian targets. According to reports from governments and state media, the war has already claimed more than 2,000 lives, the majority of them in Iran.
Trump stated that recent US strikes had “totally demolished” large parts of the Kharg Island oil hub and made clear that additional attacks on the island remain possible. In a social media post, he urged countries dependent on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard the passage themselves, adding that the United States would assist “A LOT” and coordinate closely with partners to ensure smooth and secure operations.
Iran has vowed a strong response to any further assaults on its energy infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a source that Tehran would intensify its retaliation if its facilities are targeted again. He claimed the initial US strikes on Kharg Island were launched from two locations in the United Arab Emirates — Ras Al-Khaimah and an area very close to Dubai — describing the action as “dangerous.” Araghchi added that Iran would aim to avoid striking populated areas in the UAE during any counter-operation.
The US Central Command declined to comment on the claims regarding the launch sites. A diplomatic adviser to UAE President Anwar Gargash posted on social media that the country retains the right to defend itself but continues to prioritise restraint, reason, and logic.
On Sunday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had conducted missile and drone strikes on targets inside Israel and at three US military bases in the region. The Guard described the attacks as the opening phase of retaliation for the deaths of Iranian workers in industrial zones hit earlier in the conflict.
The developments have heightened global concerns over energy security. With the Strait of Hormuz handling approximately one-fifth of global oil trade, any disruption could trigger sharp spikes in energy prices and broader economic fallout. As the war enters its third week, both sides show no sign of de-escalation, with Trump emphasising American resolve and Iran signalling readiness for sustained resistance. International observers are closely watching whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.
Mr. Suhas Avhad (Author, LitNova)
Similar Historical Oil Conflicts.
The ongoing 2026 US-Iran conflict, with strikes on Kharg Island and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, echoes several past oil-related crises. These events highlight how attacks on oil terminals, tanker routes, and chokepoints can trigger global energy shocks, price spikes, and military escalations. Here are the most relevant parallels:https://litnova.online/similar-historical-oil-conflicts-iran-war/