Strikes on Kharg Island Target Military Sites, Not Energy Infrastructure

07/04/2026

WASHINGTON, Mar 7: US Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that recent strikes on Kharg Island targeted military sites and do not represent a shift in strategy, stressing that energy infrastructure was not being hit at this stage.

“We were going to strike some military targets on Kharg Island, and I believe we have done so,” Vance said, adding that the United States is currently avoiding energy and infrastructure targets while awaiting a response from Iran.

A US official stated that the strikes did not affect oil facilities and focused on previously targeted military installations. The official said the operation comes ahead of a deadline set for Iran to respond to US demands.

Vance also said the strikes were not a change in overall policy, noting that Washington is still seeking a diplomatic or strategic response from Tehran.

Earlier reports from Iranian media indicated multiple explosions on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, though details remain unconfirmed.

US Vice President JD Vance further said he is “confident” Iran will respond to US demands before an evening deadline set by President Donald Trump, expressing hope that Tehran will “be smart” in its decision-making.

Speaking at a news conference in Budapest, Hungary, Vance said the United States believes it has already achieved military dominance over Iran and accused Tehran of attempting to impose economic pressure on global markets by disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the US holds significantly greater economic leverage, saying Washington can impose far higher costs on Iran than Iran can impose on the US or its allies.

“We feel confident that we can get a response, whether it is positive or negative, by 8 o’clock tonight,” Vance said, referring to the 8 p.m. ET deadline set by President Trump.