United States strikes at Iranian island of Kharg - 90% of Iran's oil exports go through it

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US military had carried out one of the most powerful strikes and completely destroyed all military targets on the Iranian island of Kharg, one of the country's most important economic centers.

NBC News reported this on Wednesday.

"Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island," Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform.

According to the president, "for reasons of decency", the US military did not strike the island's oil infrastructure, which accounts for about 90% of Iran's oil exports.

"However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision," he added.

Trump also called on Iranian soldiers to surrender.

"Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime” to “lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!” the president said.

The bombing of the island, located in the Persian Gulf, comes amid a sharp rise in oil prices since the war began on February 28. Iran has retaliated by attacking ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which transports about 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies.