US reportedly considers options targeting Iran’s key oil export hub

Located in the Persian Gulf, about 30 kilometers off Iran’s mainland, Kharg Island stands out as one of the most critical strategic points for Iran in terms of oil exports.

According to information in Iranian media, Kharg Island is known as the main terminal through which about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports are carried out, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

The island, with an area of roughly 21 square kilometers, lies off the coast of Bushehr Province. It is located about 30 kilometers from Iran’s mainland and about 55 kilometers from the port of Bushehr. Although it hosts major oil terminals, Kharg Island is also a residential area with a population of approximately 8,200 people.

Oil transported to the island and shipped by giant tankers

Despite its small size, the island lies at the center of Iran’s energy infrastructure. Part of Kharg Island consists of oil terminals, pipelines and massive storage tanks.

There is no direct oil production on the island. Crude oil extracted from offshore and onshore fields — including Abu Zar oil field, Forouzan oil field, and Dorood oil field — is transported via subsea pipelines to large storage and loading facilities on the island.

The oil is then stored in huge tanks or shipped by giant tankers, mainly to Asian markets.

Exports operating at about 60–65 percent of capacity due to sanctions

Among the biggest buyers of Iranian oil, China stands out.

The continuously modernized terminals have a storage capacity of about 28 million barrels and a loading capacity of up to 7 million barrels per day. However, due to unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, many countries cannot purchase Iranian oil. As a result, exports currently average around 1.6 million barrels per day, though at times they have reached 4 million barrels.

Under normal conditions, about 950 million barrels of oil are exported annually from Kharg Island. Due to U.S. sanctions, actual exports are operating at roughly 60–65 percent of capacity.

A natural deep-water port

One of the key factors making Kharg Island strategically important is that, despite its proximity to the Iranian mainland, it has a natural deep-water harbor.

Much of Iran’s coastline in the Persian Gulf is relatively shallow, making it difficult for massive oil tankers to dock. However, the deep waters surrounding Kharg Island allow very large tankers to berth safely.

For this reason, the island is considered the most important logistical hub for delivering Iranian oil to global markets.

Because of its strategic position, large oil facilities, and strict security measures, Kharg Island is also known as the “Forbidden Island.” Entry by foreigners, tourists and new workers requires official permission from the governor’s office of Bushehr Province or from the National Iranian Oil Company.

Claims that the U.S. is considering a blockade or seizure of the island

Recent reports in the American media suggest that Kharg Island has been discussed among United States military options.

It is claimed that U.S. officials are considering options such as a blockade, attack, or seizure of the island, which handles most of Iran’s oil exports.

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid wrote in Axios on March 7, citing unnamed sources, that the U.S. administration had discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island.

American officials reportedly believe that controlling the island could cut off Iran’s oil revenues and create major economic pressure on Tehran.

Possible consequences of a military attack

At the same time, some within the U.S. administration are said to be cautious about attacking the island. There are concerns that a large-scale strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure could disrupt global oil markets and expand the regional conflict.

Following U.S.–Israel attacks, Iran has significantly restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global energy supplies and pushing energy costs higher.

Iran has repeatedly stated that if Kharg Island or other strategic infrastructure is attacked, it would respond not only against regional targets but also with large-scale missile and air strikes and attacks on energy transport routes.

Meanwhile, American media have also questioned how U.S. forces — which have kept their distance from the Strait of Hormuz to avoid Iranian missile ranges — could realistically plan to seize Kharg Island, which lies so close to Iran’s mainland.