The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s strategic oil hub, Kharg Island, just hours before a ceasefire deadline set by Donald Trump was due to expire. The development comes amid rising tensions after Iran rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, which has now stretched into its sixth week.

According to reports from Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, multiple strikes targeted Kharg Island on Tuesday. An American official confirmed to Axios that US forces hit several military targets on the island. The timing of the attack is significant, as it came shortly before Trump’s deadline of 8 pm ET on Tuesday, which corresponds to 5:30 am IST on Wednesday. The strike followed a day after Trump expressed frustration over Iran’s refusal to accept the ceasefire plan.

Trump had earlier said he was “very upset” with Iran and warned that Tehran would “pay a big price” if it did not agree to a deal. His remarks signalled a tougher approach as diplomatic efforts appeared to stall. While the US pushed for a temporary ceasefire, Iran insisted on broader conditions, calling instead for a permanent end to the conflict.

Following the strikes, Iran’s powerful military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a sharp warning. The group declared that “restraint is over,” raising fears of further escalation in the region. It also warned that it could turn energy infrastructure linked to the US and its allies "into ashes," and threatened to disrupt oil and gas flows across the region “for years.” These statements have intensified concerns about the stability of global energy supplies.

Kharg Island holds immense strategic importance for Iran. It serves as the country’s primary oil export terminal, handling nearly 90 per cent of its crude shipments. The island also has storage capacity for around 30 million barrels of oil. Located about 26 kilometres off Iran’s coast and roughly 483 kilometres northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, Kharg Island is often referred to as the “Forbidden Island” due to its heavy security and restricted access.

This is not the first time the US has targeted the island. Last month, American forces struck military installations on Kharg Island, destroying naval mine storage facilities and missile bunkers. At that time, oil infrastructure was largely spared. However, the latest strikes signal a possible shift, as tensions continue to rise and the risk of broader conflict increases.

Trump’s approach to the crisis has been marked by repeated deadlines and strong warnings. He has extended the deadline for Iran multiple times, with the latest extension set to expire on April 7. What began as a 48-hour ultimatum has now stretched into a 408-hour window. Initially, Iran was given five days to respond, followed by a 10-day extension late last month. The most recent delay pushed the deadline further, even as rhetoric from Washington became increasingly aggressive.

The US president has also threatened direct action against Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran fails to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is crucial for global oil transport, and any disruption could have serious economic consequences worldwide. Trump had earlier warned that Kharg Island itself could be targeted if attacks on vessels in the region did not stop.

Over the weekend, Trump intensified his stance, reportedly delivering a harsh message to Iran and setting a fresh 48-hour deadline for negotiations. He demanded that Tehran return to the negotiating table and agree to a ceasefire. By Monday, he reiterated his frustration and warned of severe consequences if no agreement was reached.

Iran, however, rejected the US proposal and conveyed its response through Pakistan, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. Instead of a temporary ceasefire, Tehran proposed a more comprehensive solution. Its plan includes a 10-point framework aimed at ending regional conflicts, ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting economic sanctions, and securing commitments for post-war reconstruction.

The situation remains tense as both sides hold firm to their positions. The US continues to pressure Iran through military action and strict deadlines, while Iran seeks broader guarantees before agreeing to any deal. With Kharg Island now directly targeted again, the conflict appears to be entering a more critical phase, with significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.