World News : Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated again. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the American military attacked Kharg Island, one of Iran’s most important oil export hubs, and completely destroyed the island.
In a post on social media, Trump wrote, “Kharg Island has been completely destroyed.” The claim was made by the US president following an earlier American attack on Iran’s Larak Island.
Why Is Kharg Island Important?
Kharg Island is located in the northern Persian Gulf, around 483 kilometres northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. It is part of Iran’s Bushehr province.
Kharg is considered Iran’s main oil export terminal and handles up to 90% of the country’s crude oil exports. Because of the heavy military presence and economic restrictions surrounding the area, it is also often referred to as the “Forbidden Island.”
Earlier Attack on Larak Island
Before the claim about Kharg Island, the US military had carried out an attack on Larak Island. According to the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, the operation targeted two military launch systems belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC.
According to US intelligence, IRGC personnel were preparing to use the rocket launchers to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the attack on Larak was carried out using drones. Reports also emerged that several Iranian soldiers and civilians were killed or injured in the attack.
Iran Responds With Missile Strikes
Iran responded after the US attack. The IRGC launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward US military bases in Jordan and Qatar.
The attacks were reported to have targeted technical facilities and areas associated with aircraft at King Hussein and Al-Azraq Air Base. Jordan’s air defence claimed that at least eight missiles were intercepted.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Escalating Tensions
The developments also affected international oil markets. Crude oil prices rose by more than 1%, with Brent crude moving above $89 per barrel.
Meanwhile, insurance companies linked to commercial shipping described passage through the Strait of Hormuz as extremely risky and expensive.
Following Trump’s claim about the attack on Kharg Island, the scope of US military action against Iran appears to be widening. Since Kharg is a major centre for Iran’s oil exports, any attack on the island could have consequences beyond the immediate military tensions.
