Iran war latest: Trump says US ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island – as ‘5,000 extra troops’ to be sent to Middle East

Latest Developments in the Iran War: U.S. Action and Regional Reactions

U.S. authorities report that Iran’s new supreme leader may have sustained severe facial injuries, citing a $10 million reward for information on him and other high-ranking figures. Additional 5,000 American military personnel are being deployed to the Middle East, according to sources. Below are the most recent updates, with further insights available in our Q&A section.

Israeli Strikes Kill 12 Medical Workers in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli aerial assault in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of twelve healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, as stated by the country’s health ministry early Saturday. The attack occurred in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, located within the Bint Jbeil district, with initial casualty figures indicating ongoing search efforts for missing individuals.

“The number of dead is preliminary, as rescuers are still searching for those unaccounted for,” said the ministry.

The strike followed another incident in the southern village of Souaneh, where two paramedics were killed and five others injured. Earlier on Friday, a separate attack on Sidon claimed at least eight lives. Officials in Lebanon estimate that 773 people have been killed in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, since its inception. Among the casualties are 18 paramedics and over 100 children.

Trump’s Social Media Statement: A Multifaceted Strategy

President Trump’s post on Truth Social served as a powerful message, tailored for three distinct audiences. His focus on the destruction of Kharg Island’s military targets was both dramatic and calculated, with emphatic language and strategic phrasing.

“The U.S. military is Lethal, Powerful, and Effective,” Trump declared, framing the operation as a historic success.

Kharg Island, situated in the Persian Gulf, is 16 miles from Iran’s coastline and approximately 300 miles north of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global oil trade. The island processes 90% of Iran’s oil exports, with a capacity to load up to seven million barrels daily and accommodate ten supertankers simultaneously. By targeting military sites, the U.S. aimed to signal its readiness to strike at Iran’s economic lifeline, should the country attempt to disrupt international shipping.

Trump’s emphasis on “total obliteration” of military targets contrasted with his decision to spare the island’s oil infrastructure. This choice was intended to avoid a sharp spike in global crude prices, which some analysts predict could rise to $150 per barrel. The move also underscored the island’s role as a geopolitical lever, influencing markets far beyond the Gulf region.

Iran’s Counterattack: Crippling the U.S. Oil Strategy

Iran’s foreign minister criticized the U.S., calling its actions “pathetic” and accusing it of “begging the world” to purchase Russian oil. This comes as the U.S. temporarily relaxed sanctions on Russian oil imports, aiming to stabilize prices amid rising costs. The Financial Times noted that Russia could gain $150 million daily from this shift, according to a report featured on the front page of Friday’s edition.

“Already, we are seeing the business has begun. Thailand has said it is ready to buy the oil,” remarked Sky’s Moscow correspondent, Ivor Bennett, highlighting the immediate economic impact.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed disapproval of the U.S. decision, labeling it “wrong.” The strategic move, however, has been welcomed by the Kremlin, which sees it as a financial boost and a diplomatic advantage. The island’s significance extends beyond Iran’s economy, serving as a critical node for global energy markets, with potential ripple effects felt worldwide.