U.S. President Trump posted a message on social media on the evening of the 13th, saying that the U.S. military had launched a "violent air strike" on military targets on Khark Island, Iran's oil export hub.
In a telephone interview with a reporter from Fox News Channel on the 13th, U.S. President Trump said that the U.S. military will launch a "violent air strike" on Iran next week. He declined to discuss whether the United States was seeking to seize the Iranian oil export hub of Khark Island.
In the interview, Trump once again emphasized that Iran's military power has suffered serious losses, saying that it will take years to rebuild. He said that the US military is currently focusing on destroying Iranian missiles and drones and is destroying Iranian drone manufacturing factories.
Trump also said that the United States does not need Ukraine’s anti-drone technology help in defending against Iranian drones.
According to a recent disclosure by the American Axios news website, as the military operation against Iran continues, the United States is considering seizing Iran's Khark Island. The island, located in the Persian Gulf, is Iran's largest crude oil export base and is responsible for processing 90% of Iran's oil exports. In an interview with Fox on the 13th, Trump refused to answer relevant questions.
U.S. President Trump said when talking about the U.S. Navy providing escort for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, "It will happen very soon."
Trump also said that the United States and Israel may have slightly different goals in Iran and that "the war will continue as long as necessary."
U.S. officials say the United States is sending more Marines and warships to the Middle East
According to information disclosed by U.S. officials on the 13th local time, as Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon is dispatching more Marine Corps troops and warships to the Middle East.
Three U.S. officials disclosed that Defense Secretary Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command to dispatch an amphibious ready group and its attached Marine expeditionary force. The force usually consists of several warships and 5,000 Marines.
It is reported that the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship stationed in Japan and its marines are heading to the Middle East. It is unclear whether this is part of the additional troop deployment mentioned above.
These officials also said that the US Marine Corps has previously provided support in military operations against Iran.
