FLASHBACK: Trump Promised To Be ‘Harsh’ With Iran, Annihilate Kharg Island In 1988

President Donald Trump ordered a strike on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, on Saturday — 38 years after he first promised to be “harsh” with the despotic regime and take aim at the oil hub.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) shared video of the strikes on X, noting that it was aimed at “naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites.”

In addition, CENTCOM explained that the strike had selectively targeted only military assets, leaving the nation’s oil capabilities intact: “U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure.”

WATCH:

Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg… pic.twitter.com/2X1glD4Flt

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 14, 2026

Trump gave a similar explanation in a Truth Social post, saying that it would obviously have been easier to simply destroy the island in its entirety — but that his goal had been to only take out the military targets and leave the oil production infrastructure untouched.

“Moments 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,” Trump posted. “Our 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.”

Trump went on to say that he was keeping his options open, however, and would consider additional strikes on the island — and the oil production capabilities — if Iran made additional attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

“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,” Trump said. “During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!”

Trump hinted at just this kind of action while promoting his book, “The Art of the Deal,” in 1988. Saying that he would be “harsh,” with the Iranian regime, Trump explained, “They’ve been beating us psychologically, making us look like a bunch of fools. One bullet shot at one of our men or ships, and I’d do a number on Kharg Island.”