FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Kharg is considered the heart of the country's oil exports. About 85%–95% of Iranian oil sold in international markets passes through this terminal...
In every military conflict, there is a phase of strategic deception, where the parties try to confuse the opponent by leaking information about possible operations. In this context, analysts have begun discussing a possible target of American operations against Iran: Kharg Island, a key point for the country's economy.
Located about 25 kilometers off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf, Kharg is considered the heart of the country's oil exports. About 85%–95% of Iranian oil sold on international markets passes through this terminal, making it one of the most strategic potential targets in the conflict.
Millions of barrels of oil are loaded daily onto supertankers through this island, which then pass through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to global markets, especially China, one of the main buyers of Iranian oil.
A strategic objective for the Iranian economy
Because of its role in Iran's economy, Kharg is considered by experts to be a "single point of failure." If this terminal were to go out of service, Tehran's main oil revenue would be significantly reduced and the country's economy could face severe financial pressure.
However, so far the island has not been hit by military operations by Israel or its allies, although other energy facilities in Iran have been attacked. Analysts believe this is a deliberate choice to preserve a “strategic card” for a later phase of the conflict.
Historical precedents
The idea of exerting pressure on Iran by controlling Kharg is not new. History scholars recall that in 1979, during the American hostage crisis in Tehran, a plan to seize control of the island was also discussed in the White House to force the Iranian regime to release the hostages.
During the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the island was bombed several times by Saddam Hussein's forces in an attempt to cripple the Iranian economy, but its infrastructure was rebuilt and remained a key element of oil exports.
The dangers of a military operation
However, an operation to take control of Kharg would be very risky. The island is located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and is defended by Iranian forces, which could inflict significant losses on any attacking force.
Moreover, Tehran has repeatedly warned that if its oil exports are blocked, it could attack the energy infrastructure of other Gulf countries, causing a major crisis in global energy markets.
Meanwhile, despite tensions and fighting in the region, operations at Kharg continue. According to international media reports, terminal workers have increased production and continued to supply tankers with oil, indicating that Iranian exports continue even under war conditions.
Analysts estimate that if Kharg were to become a military target, the impact would not only be for Iran, but also for global energy markets, as a supply disruption could cause a sharp increase in oil prices worldwide. / Adapted from “Corriere Della Sera”
Lini një Përgjigje