DUBAI: Kharg Island, a small coral outcrop in the Arabian Gulf, has become a focal point in the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran — not because of its size, but because of its central role in global energy flows.
Located some 30–50 km off Iran’s coast, the island is the country’s primary oil export hub. It handles up to 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports, making it a critical economic lifeline and a strategic vulnerability.
On March 13, US forces carried out a large-scale airstrike targeting more than 90 military sites on the island, including missile storage and naval mine facilities. The strikes deliberately avoided oil infrastructure, in hope of reducing the impact on energy markets.
Now, as the war enters its fourth week, US media sources are reporting that the Trump administration is considering using US troops to seize the island, an escalatory move that risks unleashing strong retaliation from Tehran.
Why Kharg Island matters
