US strikes 90 military targets in Iran’s Kharg Island

WASHINGTON: Tensions in the Persian Gulf reached a critical boiling point on Tuesday as the U.S. military conducted an intense wave of precision airstrikes against strategic military assets on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export hub.

Senior U.S. officials confirmed that the overnight mission specifically targeted Iranian defensive and logistical capabilities. According to reports, the military strikes targeted military infrastructure. The strikes destroyed military bunkers, storage facilities, and advanced air defence systems.

Officials emphasised that the operation did not strike the oil facilities, focusing instead on neutralising the island’s military presence. The mission was conducted entirely through airstrikes and did not involve U.S. ground troops.

The escalation comes as President Donald Trump’s final ultimatum is set to expire at 8:00 PM ET tonight. The President has demanded that Iran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a transit point for nearly 25% of global oil trade.

In a statement on Monday, the President warned that failure to comply would result in a massive bombing campaign targeting Iran’s entire civilian infrastructure. “The entire country could be taken out in one night,” the President stated, warning that Iran could be sent back to the Stone Age with the destruction of all bridges and power plants.

The month-long conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, has already seen the assassination of top Iranian officials and the closure of critical shipping lanes. Global energy prices have soared as tankers halt transit, with insurance premiums rising up to 1% of ship value.

Iranian state media confirmed the attacks on Kharg Island and has previously threatened to disrupt regional oil and gas supplies for years if civilian infrastructure is targeted.

As the 8:00 PM deadline approaches, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistani sources are reportedly underway in a last-minute attempt to facilitate talks and avert a broader regional catastrophe.