India, April 7 -- Tensions in the Persian Gulf surged dramatically on Tuesday as powerful explosions struck Kharg Island-a critical lifeline for Iran's oil exports-just hours before US President Donald Trump's deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a ceasefire, raising fears of a major escalation in the region, according to the Mehr News Agency.

The island, located near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, is central to Iran's energy exports.

Axios, citing a senior US official, reported that the strikes focused on military installations.

Amid the escalation, Donald Trump warned that failure to comply with US demands-including reopening the Strait of Hormuz-could trigger a massive bombing campaign targeting...