And good evening, thanks for joining us, topping our CNN Global War coverage tonight.

A serious escalation of the fighting.

The president announced it shortly before airtime on social media.

And I'm quoting him now.

He said, moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history

of the Middle East and totally obliterated every military target in Iran's crown jewel-gul

Karg Island. He continues, our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the world

has ever known, but for reasons of decency, I've chosen not to wipe out the oil infrastructure

on the island.

The president then adds, however, should Iran or anyone else do anything to interfere

with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately

reconsider this decision.

Now, Karg Island is where most of Iran's oil exports flow.

It has gone untouched until now and when asked earlier

today about uh... taking it the president took umbrage

i can't answer a question like that you should and you should ask it you should be even asking

it uh it's one of so many different things it's not high on the list but it's one of so many different things. And I can change my mind in seconds. But, you know, for you to ask a question, who would answer a question like that? I mean, you're asking me a question, Carg Island, okay, everything. Who would ask a question like that? And what fool would answer it, okay? Let's say I was going to do it, or let's say I wasn't going to do it.

What would I say, oh, yes, Brian, I'm thinking about doing it. Let me let me let you know what time and when it'll take place.

It's not, you know, it's sort of a foolish question. A little surprising for you because you're a smart man.

Iran, you'll recall, has threatened to send oil tankers going through the Strait of Hormuz up in flames

if the U.S. targets its energy facilities, such as the ones on Karg Island.

Now, the president was asked late today whether those ships could expect U.S. protection.

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