The US military is systematically dismantling Iran’s energy supply chain, with strikes hitting Kharg Island, the country’s most critical oil export hub, and the Gorgan railway line in northern Iran.
Kharg Island handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports.
The military campaign so far
The conflict, which officially began in late February 2026, has escalated in distinct phases under the Trump administration. In March and April, US forces conducted precision strikes against over 90 military targets on Kharg Island, focusing on missile storage facilities, naval mine depots, and air defense systems.
The initial wave of strikes deliberately avoided oil export infrastructure. That restraint didn’t last forever. After Iran breached a ceasefire and attacked commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, US operations resumed in July 2026 with a broader mandate. This time, forces struck more than 80 additional targets, expanding beyond Kharg Island to include transportation networks like the Gorgan railway line.
