US President Donald Trump has declared that American forces have 'totally decimated' Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub, while insisting that key energy infrastructure was preserved. In an interview with NBC News, Trump claimed the island had been 'demolished' and suggested further strikes could follow, though he noted that energy lines were spared to avoid years of rebuilding.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Iran continuing strikes across the region. Explosions were reported over Bahrain's capital, Manama, early on Sunday, with authorities stating they have intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones since the start of Iranian attacks. The US State Department has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Oman, citing safety risks.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade, has been effectively closed for two weeks, sending oil prices to four-year highs. Trump claimed on social media that 'many countries' would send vessels to help reopen the strait, but declined to confirm US Navy escorting ships, citing concerns over Iranian mines. 'We're going to be sweeping the strait very strongly,' he told NBC News.
Meanwhile, Formula One has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix due to the war, citing safety concerns. The races were scheduled for April 12 and 19 respectively. The sport's governing body, the FIA, and F1 said they had no choice but to cancel to protect everyone involved.
Trump downplayed fears of rising fuel prices, claiming they would 'go lower than they were before' despite global market anxiety. The largest release of government oil reserves in IEA history and eased US sanctions on Russian oil have failed to reassure markets.
