As the conflict entered its third week, Iran projected defiance after U.S. forces hit military sites at Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iranian oil exports. Trump has threatened to strike the oil infrastructure of Kharg Island unless Tehran stops attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. IRAN CLAIMS KHARG ISLAND STRIKES CAME VIA UAEIran played down the extent of the damage on Kharg Island while threatening to step up its use of more powerful weapons and warning that parts of the UAE were legitimate targets. The UAE's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to the Iranian accusation that the attack on Kharg Island came through the UAE. "The fact this comes hours after the U.S. strike on Kharg Island also signals ⁠that Tehran will not let Washington control the terms of ‌escalation and impose dominance."

Source: The Guardian March 15, 2026 09:27 UTC