Why did the US military bomb the strategic Iranian island of Kharg?

President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces "obliterated" military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial location for Iran's oil export system situated in the Persian Gulf. This island has historically played a significant role in linking Iran's extensive oil reserves to the global market. Trump indicated that further attacks on Iran's oil infrastructure could occur if Tehran continues its aggressive actions against ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has led to substantial increases in energy and fertilizer costs, raising concerns about a potential global food crisis. Farmers are preparing for resource shortages that could adversely affect harvests as tensions escalate in the region. In response to surging oil prices linked to the conflict, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves, surpassing the previous record of 182.7 million barrels released in 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Several countries, including Germany, Austria, Japan, Spain, and France, are also planning to partially release their oil reserves. The situation has intensified with Iranian drones attacking Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery, raising fears of a global oil shock. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil, has been threatened by Iranian attacks on tanker ships, leading to concerns about disruptions in global oil supply. Crude oil futures spiked approximately 8% on March 2nd due to these developments. The U.S. has reported the destruction of 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels in response to threats from Iran regarding oil exports. In a related development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed regret to neighboring countries, stating that a temporary leadership council has decided to suspend attacks unless provoked. Gulf states have urged Iran to refrain from retaliating against them, and some have indicated that the U.S. and Israel cannot utilize their airspace or territory for any attacks on Iran. The international community is closely monitoring the implications of the Iran conflict on global oil markets and security, reflecting the urgency of addressing rising oil prices and the potential for further escalation in the region.