US President Donald Trump had said in an interview about 38 years ago that if Iran attacks America, he will attack its important oil center Kharg Island. Now, almost four decades later, America has launched a major military attack on the same island. In an interview given to British newspaper The Guardian journalist Polly Toynbee in 1988, Trump had said that he would adopt a tough attitude towards Iran. He had said that if even a single shot was fired at an American soldier or ship, he would target Kharg Island.

At present, amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East, the American Army has attacked Kharg Island. Trump said that the US Army has completely destroyed the military bases on the island. However, he said that the oil infrastructure was not deliberately targeted so that the energy supply was not completely affected. Kharg Island is considered very important for Iran. This island is the main center for about 90 percent of the country’s oil exports and its security is very important for Iran’s economy.

Donald Trump’s warning to Iran

Trump has also warned that if Iran obstructs the movement of ships or tries to close the Strait of Hormuz, then America can take more stringent action. He said that many countries can send warships along with America to keep this sea route safe. These may include countries like China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom. On the other hand, Iran has called these attacks a violation of its sovereignty. Iran has warned that if its oil and energy infrastructure is damaged, the energy facilities of US allies present in the region could also be targeted.