Trump says he has chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure on Kharg Island, but that he will reconsider the decision if Iran or anyone else does not allow ships to pass freely and safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump writes that it would be smart for Iran's military and others involved in the "terrorist regime" to lay down their weapons.
Iran's military says oil and energy infrastructure belonging to companies cooperating with the United States will be "immediately destroyed and turned into a pile of ashes" if Iran's energy infrastructure is attacked, according to a statement reported by Iranian media.
Crude oil is handled on the island
Almost all of Iran's crude oil exports are handled on Kharg Island, which is located about 30 kilometers from the Iranian mainland. Trump administration officials have previously reported that they may consider taking control of the island.
The major bank JP Morgan has stated that a direct attack on the island would immediately reduce the volume of Iran's crude oil exports, and that it would likely lead to serious responses in the Strait of Hormuz or against energy infrastructure in the area.
"Soon" ships will be escorted
Trump says the US Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz "soon, very soon."
The unrest also continues in other parts of the Middle East. Explosions were heard in the Qatari capital Doha early Saturday night, according to AFP journalists. The country's interior ministry said earlier that it was evacuating some areas, and the defence ministry said the military had stopped a rocket attack.
Explosions were also heard overnight in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, according to AFP journalists. Witnesses said they saw smoke rising from an area in the city center, and houses were reported to have shaken.
