U.S May Take Over Iran’s Kharg Island, A Major Oil Export Hub, Says Trump

U.S President Donald Trump has threatened to take over Iran’s principal oil export hub, Kharg Island, adding that the Islamic Republic will be powerless if he decides to do so.

The U.S also renewed strikes on Iranian sites after Iran attacked three commercial vessels in the Hormuz.

Over 60 small boats used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were hit, according to US Central Command.

The U.S “knocked out 28 boats last night” and would probably hit more later, said Trump, adding that he could also seize the island which handles 90% of Iranian oil exports.

“For reasons of decency, I have chosen not to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” he wrote on Truth Social.

He warned Iran that if it interfered with the free and safe passage of ships through Hormuz, he would reconsider the decision.

Approximately 950 million barrels of crude pass through the island every year.

Oil from offshore fields like Aboozar, Forouzan and Dorood is brought to the island and shipped to global markets, with China being the biggest customer of Iranian oil.

For years, Kharg Island has linked Iran to the global economy, and any disruption to it would be a huge blow to Tehran’s ability to sell its oil.

Kharg Island is located off the Iranian coast, in the Bushehr province.

It is only 8 kilometres long and 5 km wide, but the deep waters surrounding the island allow large oil tankers to safely load crude for Asian markets, which makes the island strategically very important.

It is not open to civilians, and only authorised personnel are allowed to enter the island, which is known by Iranians as the Forbidden Island for these reasons.

After these developments, Brent crude jumped more than 5% on Wednesday, amidst fears that renewed attacks could lead to the closure of Hormuz once again.

Trump also said that Iranian oil was not the target.

“We attacked Kharg Island last night,” Trump said, “I said, ’ Don’t touch the oil. Because maybe we’ll take over Kharg Island, and we may take over Kharg Island. There’s not a thing they can do about it.”