A US strike on Iran’s Kharg Island has significantly raised tensions in the ongoing confrontation between Tehran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other, according to media reports.
Kharg Island, located in the northern Gulf, is considered a crucial part of Iran’s oil export system and serves as the terminal for nearly 90 percent of the country’s crude shipments. Its deep waters allow Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to load oil for export.
Analysts say targeting the island is effectively aimed at the core of Iran’s economy because of its central role in oil exports.
If US President Donald Trump decides to go further and target the island’s oil facilities rather than only the Iranian troops stationed there, it could push global oil prices even higher.
Observers are also concerned about Iran’s potential response. Despite the ongoing conflict, Iran still has the capacity to launch large numbers of low-cost explosive drones targeting Gulf Arab countries and shipping routes.
There are also fears that Iran could expand its targets to include key infrastructure in the region, such as desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions of people.
With inputs from BBC