US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US struck military targets at a strategic Iranian outpost in the Persian Gulf and warned it could hit oil infrastructure next if Tehran keeps disrupting energy flows in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying the two-week conflict in the region.

Trump noted in his post on Truth Social: "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." 

"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," he added.

The strategic island, which manages nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports, has largely been avoided by both the US and Israel so far.

Officials in the Trump administration have reportedly suggested that seizing Kharg Island remains a possible option.

In another post, Trump said, "Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THOSE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD!"

In response, Iran threatened to attack US-linked oil targets.  

In a statement cited by Iranian media, the military’s Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that oil and energy facilities linked to companies cooperating with the US would be “immediately destroyed and turned to ashes” if Iran’s energy infrastructure is targeted.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Defense Ministry said in two separate statements on Saturday that its forces had successfully intercepted a missile attack aimed at the country, AFP News reported.

Market implications

These headlines are likely to intensify the ongoing volatility in Oil, with prices likely to rocket during the early Asian hours on Monday should Tehran deepen the conflict by attacking the energy infrastructure owned by oil companies cooperating with the US in the region.