Trump Threatens More Strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, Urges Allies to Secure Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President ramps up pressure as war with Iran enters third week, energy crisis deepens

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:48am

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U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, as the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran enters its third week. Trump said the U.S. had "totally demolished" much of Kharg Island and warned of more strikes, while Iran vowed to intensify its response. The conflict has caused a major disruption in global oil supply, sending prices soaring, and Tehran's ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz poses a difficult challenge for the U.S. and its allies.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran threatens to further destabilize the Middle East and disrupt global energy markets. Trump's threats of additional strikes on Iran's oil infrastructure and his call for allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz indicate the U.S. is prepared to intensify military action, raising the risk of a wider regional war. The energy crisis caused by the conflict could have far-reaching economic consequences if it persists.

The details

Trump said the U.S. had "totally demolished" much of Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and warned of more strikes, telling NBC News "We may hit it a few more times just for fun." His administration has rebuffed efforts by Middle Eastern allies to start negotiations to end the conflict. Tehran has vowed to intensify its response, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards claiming they had carried out missile and drone strikes on targets in Israel and three U.S. bases in the region. Saudi Arabia also intercepted 10 drones targeting an energy hub in Riyadh. The war has killed over 2,000 people, mostly in Iran, and disrupted oil loading operations in the UAE's Fujairah emirate, a global ship-refueling hub.

  • The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is now in its third week.
  • On Saturday, Trump made his latest threats against Iran's Kharg Island.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has launched a war against Iran alongside Israel.

Abbas Araqchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who said Iran would respond to any attack on its energy facilities.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards

The military force of Iran that claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on targets in Israel and three U.S. bases in the region.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who has partnered with Trump in the war against Iran.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy

The President of Ukraine who told CNN that Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones to use against the U.S. and Israel.

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What they’re saying

“We may hit it a few more times just for fun.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (NBC News)

“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help -- A LOT!”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Trump's social media post)

“Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had carried out missile and drone strikes on targets in Israel and three U.S. bases in the region, calling the attacks the first round of retaliation for workers killed in Iran's industrial areas.”

— Iran's Revolutionary Guards (Semi-official Fars news agency)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.