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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nPresident Donald Trump said the United States carried out \u201cthe most powerful bombing raid\u201d on Iran\u2019s Kharg Island, claiming that American forces \u201ctotally obliterated\u201d military targets there while choosing not to destroy the island\u2019s oil infrastructure.Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is the primary terminal through which Iran\u2019s oil exports pass, making it a key part of the country\u2019s energy sector.Trump announced the operation in a Truth Social post late Friday (US local time). \u201cMoments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,\u201d Trump wrote.He said the United States deliberately avoided striking the island\u2019s oil facilities.\u201cOur Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Trump also warned Iran against interfering with international shipping in the region.\u201cHowever, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,\u201d Trump continued. \u201cIran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack \u2014 There is nothing they can do about it!\u201dThe strikes come as the US military ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, according to a US official, marking a major reinforcement of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran.A large explosion struck a central square in Tehran where thousands had gathered for an annual state-organized rally supporting the Palestinians and calling for Israel\u2019s destruction. Israel had earlier warned it would target the area.There were no immediate reports of casualties. The decision to proceed with the mass demonstration, attended by some senior government officials despite the threat, highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the conflict.Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about one-fifth of the world\u2019s traded oil passes.These developments come amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has triggered missile strikes, drone attacks and growing instability across the Gulf.<\/div>\n\n![\".\"](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-23456,msid-129567138\/.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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