In the early hours of Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a strike on Kharg Island in the northeastern Persian Gulf, confirming the destruction of all military targets on the island in what he described as one of the most powerful air raids in Middle Eastern history.
In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote: "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has completely destroyed every military target in the Iranian crown jewel: Kharg Island," warning that the strikes could extend to the island’s oil infrastructure if Tehran continues to block ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, in turn, warned it would target regional energy assets if the United States or Israel attempted to seize the island, a move that could further escalate tensions in the Gulf.
Strategic Importance
Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary export hub for crude oil, accounting for approximately 90% of the country’s oil exports through pipelines that transport oil from central and western fields to the island’s maritime facilities. The island hosts a seaport, an airport, a military base, and large oil storage and loading facilities, making it a critical component of Iran’s economy.
Located about 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast, Kharg Island is home to roughly 20,000 residents and spans 8 kilometers of coral land. Its facilities can load up to 7 million barrels onto tankers daily, while daily throughput ranges between 1.3 and 1.6 million barrels of crude oil.
Potential Global Market Impact
Energy experts warn that any disruption on Kharg Island could have ripple effects on global oil markets, affecting major consumers, particularly China, one of Iran’s largest oil buyers despite U.S. sanctions and pressures.
In February, Iran increased oil flow through the island to roughly 3 million barrels per day as a precaution against potential attacks and maintained a strategic reserve of about 18 million barrels within its facilities to strengthen national energy security and mitigate potential supply shocks.
Kharg Island remains a pivotal point in the ongoing U.S.–Iran tensions, not only as a vital energy artery for Iran but also for its strategic location and direct impact on the global economy and oil markets.
