[Anchor]
Here’s the latest from the Middle East.
U.S. forces carried out a surprise strike on what they described as the “heart” of Iran’s oil export system.
The operation was limited in scope and, officials say, struck only military targets.
We go now to our correspondent based in Egypt, near the Israeli border, for details.
Park Hyun-woo, over to you.
[Reporter]
I’m reporting from Cairo.
Violence has become a nightly feature across the region.
Yesterday, President Trump warned to “watch what happens” as he signaled possible strikes on Iran. Overnight, the U.S. struck what it called Iran’s strategic heart.
The precision assault hit Kharg Island, a central hub for Iran’s crude exports.
Trump called the operation “the most powerful bombing in Middle Eastern history.”
Kharg Island handles roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports and hosts infrastructure capable of moving up to 7 million barrels of crude per day — making it Tehran’s primary export node.
Trump described Kharg as Iran’s most valuable asset, its “crown jewel.”
Officials stressed the strikes were aimed at military objectives on the island, not petroleum facilities, and said those military targets were destroyed.
The U.S. said it refrained from hitting oil infrastructure for now, but warned it would reconsider if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also sought to shape the narrative, saying Iran is “completely defeated and wants a deal,” while asserting any deal Iran seeks would be unacceptable. That rhetoric increases pressure on Tehran as it threatens to seal off the Strait and continues attacks on tankers along nearby coasts.
[Anchor]
Iran has signaled a hardline response, including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. What’s Tehran saying?
[Reporter]
Iran immediately warned of retaliation.
State media quoted officials saying that if Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure is hit, Tehran will strike energy facilities owned by companies allied with the U.S. in the region.
At the same time, Iran continued attacks directed at Israel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched the largest missile barrage aimed at Israeli territory since the war began, firing roughly 30 ballistic missiles weighing 1–2t toward targets inside Israel.
In central Israel, those strikes damaged homes and sparked fires.
Separately, a missile struck and exploded on the helicopter landing pad inside the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad on the 14th local time.
The Associated Press reported a missile hit the helicopter pad at the U.S. embassy complex in Baghdad early Thursday. U.S. officials suspect Iran or Iran-aligned armed groups were responsible.
Reports also indicate the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah port was attacked.
Earlier this morning, one or two Shahed drones reportedly struck oil storage tanks at Fujairah, igniting fires.
After the U.S. strike on Kharg Island, reports that the U.S. embassy site and a UAE oil-export terminal were hit have raised tensions across the region.
[Anchor]
What about Israel? There were reports of a major strike on Tehran overnight.
[Reporter]
Yes. Israel carried out airstrikes aimed at a rally in Tehran.
The annual Quds Day rally, which features anti-U.S. and anti-Israel chants, drew thousands yesterday. Israeli authorities had warned people not to gather at planned assembly points, saying they would be targeted.
Explosions were reported at the rally site and one woman was killed in the strikes.
Israel has also continued air operations against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon and struck southern Lebanon.
Local reports say Israeli strikes on medical facilities in southern Lebanon killed 12 health-care workers, including doctors and nurses.
An Israeli attack also destroyed a bridge near the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
This is Park Hyun-woo, Yonhap News TV, reporting from Cairo.
[Live connection: Moon Won-cheol]
[News Review]
#U.S. #Israel #Iran #Hormuz #KhargIsland #TrumpAirstrike
Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23
Park Hyun-woo (hwp@yna.co.kr)
