The US-Israel coalition has carried out several strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country's energy exports. Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Iran's Mehr News Agency, that while the strikes have been confirmed, the specific facilities targeted on the island have not yet been disclosed.
Following the operation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement warning that if the American military crosses "red lines," the Iranian response will extend beyond the borders of the region. The situation remains volatile as US President Donald Trump previously set a deadline for Iran to ensure the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump stated that dealing with Iran could be "finished in one night," suggesting that military action could escalate immediately following the expiration of the deadline on the night of April 8.
Kharg Island, located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf approximately 25–30 km off the coast of Bushehr province, serves as Iran's primary oil export gateway. The island's terminal handles roughly 90% of the country's crude oil exports, with infrastructure capable of loading supertankers and storing up to 30 million barrels of oil. The complex was originally developed in the 1960s through a partnership between the National Iranian Oil Company and the American firm Amoco, before being nationalized following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and Axios suggest that Washington may consider deploying Marines to seize one or more islands near Iran's southern coast, including Kharg, to ensure the free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic importance of the island makes it a focal point in the ongoing geopolitical confrontation in the Middle East.
