00:00We begin tonight with a major development in the Middle East that could have significant consequences for global security and
00:06energy markets.
00:07Former President Donald Trump announced late Friday that United States forces carried out a large-scale military strike on Karg
00:14Island,
00:15a strategic Iranian island in the Persian Gulf that serves as the heart of Iran's oil export system.
00:21According to a statement released by United States Central Command,
00:24U.S. forces targeted more than 90 Iranian military sites on the island in what officials described as a precision
00:30operation designed to weaken Iran's defensive capabilities.
00:34The strike reportedly hit naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military installations located across the island.
00:42Officials emphasized that the operation was carefully planned to avoid damage to oil infrastructure, which remains critical to global energy
00:49supply.
00:49Karg Island sits roughly 15 miles off the Iranian mainland in the Persian Gulf, and it plays an essential role
00:56in Iran's economy.
00:57Experts estimate that about 90% of Iran's oil exports pass through terminals on the island, making it one of
01:03the most economically important locations in the country.
01:06In a social media post on the platform Truth Social, Trump said U.S. forces had
01:11totally obliterated every military target in Iran's crown jewel.
01:15Shortly afterward, Central Command confirmed the operation in an official statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
01:22A U.S. official speaking anonymously said intelligence indicated that Iran might soon reinforce the island with additional defenses.
01:29The strike, according to the official, was meant to prevent Iran from strengthening its military presence there.
01:34Video footage later released by Central Command appears to show precision strikes hitting several locations across the island, including military
01:41structures and the island's airport facility.
01:44However, the video indicates that oil-loading terminals and other energy infrastructure were not targeted.
01:49An independent assessment of the damage has not yet been completed.
01:53The operation comes amid rising tensions in the region and increasing concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.
01:59Trump also issued a warning to Iran, saying the United States could expand its targets if Tehran continues actions that
02:06threaten shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
02:08The strait is considered one of the world's most critical energy choke points, with a large percentage of global oil
02:14shipments passing through its narrow waters.
02:16Since the conflict escalated in recent weeks, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stopped, creating shockwaves in
02:22global energy markets.
02:23Oil prices have already surged significantly, and analysts warn that further disruption could send prices even higher.
02:30Trump wrote in his statements that Iran's military would be wise to lay down their arms, warning that failure to
02:36do so could result in more severe consequences.
02:39The president made those remarks while traveling from Washington to Florida, where he was expected to spend the weekend at
02:44his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.
02:46Meanwhile, defense analysts say the strike may signal the beginning of a broader strategy involving Karg Island.
02:52Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the bombing could be setting the stage for possible
02:58future actions involving the island.
03:00Rubin has previously argued that controlling Karg Island would significantly weaken Iran's ability to finance its military operations, because of
03:07the island's central role in oil exports.
03:09He also suggested that additional strikes could target what Iran refers to as invisible jetties.
03:14These are low-profile launch sites located across nearby islands, which Iran's naval forces sometimes use to deploy fast attack
03:22boats capable of harassing or threatening commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf.
03:26If those facilities were destroyed, analysts say it could significantly reduce Iran's ability to interfere with maritime traffic.
03:32The economic consequences of the conflict are already being felt around the world.
03:36Oil prices have been rising sharply since the Trump administration launched Operation Epic Fury last month.
03:42In an attempt to stabilize energy markets, the administration has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil shipments and implemented other
03:49measures to increase global supply.
03:51Despite those efforts, fuel prices continue to climb, with noticeable increases in gasoline and jet fuel costs.
03:57Energy analysts warn that if tensions continue to escalate, or if oil facilities eventually become targets, the impact on global
04:04markets could become even more severe.
04:06For now, the United States says the attack was designed strictly to eliminate military threats, not to disrupt oil production.
04:13But with a situation in the region rapidly evolving, many experts say the attack on Karg Island could mark a
04:19turning point in the conflict.
04:20We will continue to monitor developments as more information becomes available.
04:24Music
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