US President Donald Trump has said that Iran had ambitions to dominate the entire West Asian region and destroy Israel, but claimed that those plans are now dead. In a Truth Social Post, he said just like Iran itself, those plans are now dead. Earlier, Trump said the United States Central Command carried out a massive “bombing raid” on military targets on Kharg Island in Iran, claiming the operation “totally obliterated” every military site on the island.

He said the strike was carried out on his orders and asserted that it was one of the most powerful bombing raids in the region’s history. He added that the United States deliberately avoided striking oil infrastructure on the island. He said that US weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, he has chosen not to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.

US President also warned that the decision could change if shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Meanwhile, US military has ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the West Asia, a US official said yesterday, in a major addition of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran.

In Tehran, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands were gathered for an annual state-organised rally to support the Palestinians. Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran. There were no reports of casualties. Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighbouring Gulf states and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes, even as US and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and over eight lakhs people displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let-up.