U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of renewed attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island, while calling on allied nations to deploy warships to protect the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to NBC News on Saturday, Trump claimed that U.S. strikes had already destroyed much of the island and suggested further attacks could follow. His remarks signaled an escalation from earlier statements that U.S. operations targeted only military facilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Tehran would intensify its countermeasures if its energy infrastructure were attacked. He alleged that the U.S. launched strikes on Kharg Island from two locations in the United Arab Emirates, calling the move dangerous but pledging Iran would avoid civilian areas. The U.S. Central Command declined to comment, while a UAE presidential adviser said the country prioritizes restraint and rationality despite its right to self-defense.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced missile and drone strikes on Israeli and U.S. bases in response to a deadly attack in Isfahan that killed at least 15 workers. The tensions have raised fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.