Trending Now - Trump Warns of Potential U.S. Military Action Against Iran

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)

PBS News' Liz Landers

WHAT:

Trump threatened to strike Iran's Kharg Island again, stating, "I told them openly — I'll knock the hell out of it."

Trump announced on March 10th, 2026, that he had "totally obliterated every military target" on Kharg Island.

U.S. military officials reported on March 11th, 2026, that a number of military and missile facilities were destroyed in the attack.

CENTCOM struck Kharg Island on March 10th, 2026, hitting more than 90 military targets.

Trump stated that he "left a lot of infrastructure" intact to avoid long-term rebuilding trauma.

Trump claimed the U.S. is "locked and loaded" to destroy Kharg Island's oil export hub if necessary.

WHERE:

Kharg Island, Iran

Persian Gulf

WHEN:

The phone call with PBS News occurred on March 15th, 2026.

The attack on Kharg Island took place on March 10th, 2026.

Trump predicted the war would last "four to five weeks" at the beginning of March 2026.

WHY:

Trump suggested the military threat is intended to pressure Iran into negotiations.

Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to defend itself "as long as it takes."

HOW:

Trump indicated that military action could be executed on "five minutes' notice."

The U.S. military operations are part of "Operation Epic Fury."

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 23:13 UTC)

In a recent phone call with PBS News, Trump threatened to strike Iran's Kharg Island again, declaring, "I told them openly — I'll knock the hell out of it," following the U.S. military's attack on March 10 that targeted over 90 military installations. Trump announced that he had "totally obliterated every military target" on Kharg Island, while also stating he left some infrastructure intact to minimize long-term rebuilding challenges. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by asserting that Iran is prepared to defend itself "as long as it takes" amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.