Iran says oil output continues despite US strikes on Kharg Island

The CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company said on Monday that Kharg Island had been bombed several times by US and Israeli forces, though he insisted that oil production on the strategic facility has continued uninterrupted despite the sustained bombardment. The remarks came in direct response to claims by US President Donald Trump that the island was "blown to smithereens," according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency.

Calling the US president's comments "laughable," the official told Fars that contractors are actively rebuilding damaged infrastructure. "As I speak to you, several contractors are carrying out operations to rebuild and renovate storage tanks," he said, adding that restoration work remains ongoing across the facility. "None of the ongoing work on Kharg has stopped. Some projects are currently 20% to 30% complete, and work on them is continuing," the CEO stated.

Retaliatory strikes mark latest escalation

US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday, marking the first American attack on Iranian territory since late July, a US official told Axios. The operation came as Washington continues military operations against Tehran in the ongoing conflict.

Hours after the Larak Island strikes, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missiles and drones targeting US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, according to Iranian state media. The exchanges highlight continuing volatility as diplomatic efforts have yet to yield a ceasefire.