U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the evening of the 13th (local time) that a large-scale bombing operation had been carried out on Kharg Island, known as Iran's oil export hub.

He stated via Truth Social, "Just moments ago, at my direction, the U.S. Central Command conducted one of the most powerful bombing operations in the history of the Middle East, completely destroying all military targets on Kharg Island, a key strategic point for Iran."

President Trump added, "Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated in world history, but for moral reasons, I have decided not to destroy the island's oil facilities. However, if Iran or anyone else obstructs free and safe passage of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."

The President also urged Iran to surrender now, stating that its military power has been weakened by missile strikes from Israel and the United States, and declared that Iran "has no ability to defend anything we intend to attack."

Trump wrote, "Iran will never possess nuclear weapons, nor will it have the capability to threaten the United States, the Middle East, or the world. It would be wise for the Iranian military and everyone involved in this terrorist regime to lay down their arms and protect their remaining homeland."

In another Truth post, President Trump wrote, "Iran had plans to take over the entire Middle East and completely eliminate Israel. Just like Iran itself, that plan is now dead!"

He then shared a 64-second video of the bombing of Kharg Island through another post.

Several hours before President Trump's announcement, the Central Command stated that B-2 stealth bombers had been dispatched to Iran for the bombing operation.

According to military officials, U.S. Air Force bombers attacked missile storage facilities and opportunistic facilities laid by Iran, The New York Times reported.

Kharg Island, located deep in the northern Persian Gulf approximately 32 kilometers off the coast of mainland Iran, is equipped with large oil storage facilities from which about 90% of Iran's oil exports are shipped. Pipelines originating from the island are connected via sea to Iran's largest oil and gas fields.

As news of the air strike on Kharg Island emerged, international oil prices began to rise again. The price of Brent crude oil stood at $103.86 per barrel as of 10 p.m. on the 13th.

Rep. Hong Sung-goo, NNP / Special Correspondent, NNP info@newsandpost.com