On Mar. 13, the Persian Gulf island of Kharg, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, became the latest target of American jets. US President Donald Trump said that he didn’t order the total destruction of the oil facilities there "for reasons of decency." Aside from being home to critical oil infrastructure, Kharg Island is also home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

The Kharg Island strike shows how US force is calibrated to avoid disrupting global oil flows.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on…