US President Donald Trump has intensified his call for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that he "hopes" to send warships to the area near the Iranian coast to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels.
These remarks, posted on Truth Social, did not provide a specific timeline. Hours earlier, he ordered an attack on an Iranian military base on Kharg Island, from which nearly all of Iran's oil is exported. The US military action raises the risk of further escalation in a conflict that has already lasted over two weeks.
Trump wrote in his post that the military facilities on this Persian Gulf island had been "completely destroyed." He stated that, for "decent reasons," he chose not to target the island's oil infrastructure, but warned that he would do so if Iran "takes any action to disrupt the free and safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz."
On March 2, 2026, two days after the US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury," oil loading operations continued at the oil terminal on Iran's Kharg Island.
In his latest post, Trump wrote: "Many nations, especially those affected by Iran's attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send naval vessels alongside the United States to keep the strait open and secure." He provided no further details beyond expressing hope that France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would also deploy ships.
Trump claimed that although Iran's military forces had been "100% destroyed," Tehran could easily continue to threaten shipping using drones, naval mines, and short-range missiles. He said the US would "bomb the hell" out of the Iranian coastline in response to this threat.
Roughly concurrent with Trump's post, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels from "enemy" nations.
Throughout Friday night and Saturday, Israel and the US continued strikes against Iran, while Iran continued its attacks on Gulf Arab states.
According to government and non-governmental organization estimates, approximately 3,750 people have been killed in the region since the war began on February 28, triggered by US and Israeli bombing of Iran. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported over 3,000 fatalities in Iran over the past two weeks. The Lebanese government stated that around 700 people have been killed in Israel's war against Hezbollah. Dozens have died in Gulf states and Israel, with 11 US military personnel confirmed killed.
Iran, whose military capabilities are far inferior to those of the US and Israel, is targeting neighboring countries, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure. This strategy aims to create regional and oil market chaos to pressure Trump to end the conflict. The American leader faces domestic criticism due to surging gasoline prices, with many political opponents arguing he underestimated Iran's response and resilience.
Uncertainty over the war's duration is increasing due to Trump's conflicting signals and Iran's continued confrontation. On Friday, Trump stated the US could continue fighting "as long as it takes" and hinted the navy would soon begin escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This contrasted with his earlier comments that US military objectives were "largely accomplished."
On Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the attack on Kharg Island and stated the war was entering a "decisive phase," adding that it could continue for as long as necessary.
**Oil Port Attacked**
Informed sources revealed that the critical oil port of Fujairah, located on the Gulf of Oman, has suspended operations following a drone attack and fire on Saturday morning.
According to unnamed sources, as a precautionary measure, the port of Fujairah, situated outside the Strait of Hormuz, has halted the loading of crude oil and refined products while damage assessments are underway. Fujairah is a major export hub for crude and fuel products, holding increasing importance for the UAE and global markets as one of the few oil export routes from the Persian Gulf that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated on MS NOW that "it was clear the missiles that struck Kharg Island on Friday originated from two locations within the UAE."
In Dubai, authorities reported that intercepted debris hit the facade of a building in the city center. The Dubai Media Office stated in a post on X: "No fire occurred, and there were no reports of casualties."
According to sources in the area, a building in the Dubai International Financial Centre in the city center showed visible damage to its exterior wall on Saturday, though the exact cause remains unclear.
In response to emailed inquiries, the Dubai Media Office stated: "Transport and business operations continue, with some entities adopting remote work. The financial ecosystem remains resilient, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and market activity, and continues to function as an industry hub."
The UAE government reported that it detected nine missiles and 33 drones launched towards it on Saturday, figures consistent with previous days.
**Jordan, Iraq Targeted**
Jordan, which also hosts US military bases, reported intercepting 79 ballistic missiles and drones over the past week. Six objects penetrated the air defense systems. The Jordanian military stated that nine people were injured this week.
Iranian media reported that Tehran came under further attack early Saturday, while the Iranian military claimed it had again targeted Israeli and US bases in the Gulf on Friday. The Associated Press, citing Iraqi security officials, reported that a missile struck a helicopter landing pad within the compound of the US Embassy in Baghdad.
Brent crude closed above $100 per barrel on Friday, reaching its highest level in nearly four years. Due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait have been forced to reduce crude oil production, while Qatar has halted liquefied natural gas production.
Tankertrackers.com, which specializes in monitoring ship movements, reported that two oil tankers were docked at Kharg Island hours after the US attack on its military facilities. Iranian state media indicated that exports were proceeding as usual.
Nevertheless, Iran warned that if its own oil infrastructure is attacked, it would strike US-associated oil and energy facilities across the Middle East. Iranian media reported that all oil workers on Kharg Island were safe. The island is located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the Iranian mainland.
Fars News Agency, citing a Central Command statement, reported that if Iran's energy and economic assets are hit, "all oil, economic, and energy facilities in the region that are partly owned by or cooperate with the United States will be immediately destroyed and turned to ashes."
The agency reported that over 15 explosions shook Kharg Island, with targets including air defense systems, naval bases, an airport control tower, and helicopter hangars. The report did not specify the extent of the damage.
The US military stated that it destroyed missile and naval mine storage infrastructure.
Analysts at JPMorgan noted in a research report that in the days preceding the US-Israeli attack, Iran had increased exports from Kharg Island to a near-record level of over 3 million barrels per day, almost triple the normal export volume.
JPMorgan analysts stated that a strike on Kharg Island's oil facilities "would immediately halt most of Iran's crude exports and would likely trigger severe retaliatory actions in the Strait of Hormuz or attacks targeting regional energy infrastructure."
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