Kharg Island, a tiny Iranian oil hub covering just 7.7 square miles, has become a potential target for US military action as tensions with Iran escalate. The island, located northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, handles approximately 94 per cent of Iran's crude oil exports, primarily destined for China.
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump is considering deploying American troops to seize the key oil terminal on the island. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the discussions but stressed that no final decision has been made. The move would mark a significant shift from Trump's recent statement on Truth Social, where he suggested the US was “considering winding down” military efforts in the Middle East.
Analysts warn that seizing Kharg Island could cripple Iran's economy, as oil exports account for nearly 40 per cent of the government's budget. “Seizing the island would cut off Iran's oil lifeline, which is crucial for the regime,” said Petras Katinas, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. However, such an operation would leave US and Israeli troops vulnerable to Iranian retaliatory strikes.
The development comes amid heightened tensions after Tehran warned that British lives are “in danger” following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's decision to allow the US to use UK bases to strike Iranian missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump criticised the UK for not acting faster in granting permission.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely halted after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took control of the waterway, disrupting global supply chains and driving oil prices above $119 a barrel. Experts warn of severe economic consequences if the situation persists.
