Yeliz Akmaca 
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil facility. Oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz is at risk, and he called on allies to send warships. Actually, this move closes diplomatic doors and triggers sudden supply shocks in oil markets. Energy prices are soaring, and the global economy faces serious risk. Meanwhile, Bitcoin trades around $71,500.
Trump told NBC News that Washington had “completely demolished” energy infrastructure on Kharg Island and added:
“We may hit it a few more times just for fun.”
He exceeded his previous limited-target statements. Furthermore, his administration rejected Middle Eastern allies’ attempts at mediation, three sources told Reuters.
Course of the War and Iran’s Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said they would retaliate against any attacks on energy facilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards carried out missile and drone strikes on Israel and three U.S. bases, describing them as the first round of retaliation for worker deaths on Kharg Island. The Israeli military intercepted most of the attacks.
Saudi Arabia destroyed 10 drones over Riyadh and the eastern region. The semi-official Fars News Agency said Iran had no connection. One of the UAE’s major energy hubs was disrupted by a drone strike. The U.S. warned its citizens in Iraq to leave immediately. In other words, the war does not remain limited to Iran, the U.S., and Israel; regional energy infrastructure is also directly targeted.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Drives Oil Prices
About 20% of global oil shipments pass through this narrow corridor. Trump’s military signals threaten supply security, creating a “fear premium” in the market. Even the possibility of closure applies direct inflationary pressure on the global economy.
Deaths and Material Losses
Operations launched by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 28 have killed over 2,000 people, mostly in Iran. Fars reported that at least 15 died when an airstrike hit a refrigerator and heater factory in Isfahan. Significant material and infrastructure losses have also occurred.
Strait of Hormuz and Allied Calls
Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to send warships to the Strait. So far, no country has responded officially. Japan can deploy its forces only if the government declares national survival at risk. France and the UK are actively reviewing options but have not taken any concrete steps yet.
On Saturday, Trump also wrote on social media:
“Countries receiving oil through the Strait of Hormuz must safeguard the passage, and we will help a lot! The U.S. will coordinate to ensure everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”
Iran’s new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, whose father was slain, emphasized the Strait should remain closed. Meanwhile, energy markets remain uncertain, supply shocks and oil logistics problems continue, and prices keep rising.
Drone and Missile Attacks in the Region
Iran is using Shahed drones in the region, reportedly supplied by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed to CNN that some drones are linked to regional attacks, though manufacturers remain unclear. Actually, these developments highlight military risks and deepen geopolitical uncertainty.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE activated defense systems, and some operations were suspended. Oil and energy logistics remain blocked, supply shocks persist. In short, the global energy crisis does not appear to be ending soon.
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