quote:
Iran’s oil lifeline: why Kharg Island, handling 90% of exports, remains untouched in the war
The tiny Gulf island handles most of Iran’s oil exports, mainly to China, making it a critical economic weak point; yet it has not been struck, as fears of oil shocks, regional escalation and US political considerations shape the conflict
Elyasaf Kosman, Lior Ben Ari
Yesterday

For years, it has been viewed as one of Iran’s most vulnerable strategic assets. Yet despite repeated speculation that it could become a target, Kharg Island, the Islamic Republic’s main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf, has so far remained untouched in the current war.

The small island, only about six kilometers long and located roughly 25 kilometers off Iran’s coast near Bushehr province, handles around 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. Destroying or disabling its facilities would deal a devastating blow to the Iranian economy.
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Most of that oil is ultimately purchased by China, which has continued buying Iranian crude despite U.S. sanctions.

Because Iran’s economy depends heavily on energy exports, analysts view the island as a major strategic weak point.
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A dilemma for Iran’s future

Energy analysts say there may be another reason Kharg Island has not yet been attacked.

Delgha Katinoglu, an Iranian energy expert who works with the London-based Persian-language broadcaster Iran International, warned that destroying Iran’s oil infrastructure could cripple the country for years — even if the current regime collapses.

Iran earned about $78 billion from energy exports in 2024, despite heavy U.S. sanctions.

“If the regime eventually falls, no future government would be able to stabilize the country or provide basic services if the energy infrastructure is destroyed,” Katinoglu told The New York Times.

“In other words, destroying Iran’s oil and gas facilities could actually block the path to democratic transition,” he said.

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Posted by TIGERHOLD

Orleans Parish

Member since Mar 2022

1242 posts

Posted on 3/9/26 at 9:03 am to NC_Tigah

Easy: we send our fleet to take Kharg island and cut off China’s oil supply.

We then sell the oil to ourselves and use the proceeds to help rebuild Iran.

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Posted by Capt ST

High Plains

Member since Aug 2011

13653 posts

Posted on 3/9/26 at 9:04 am to NC_Tigah

quote:
In other words, destroying Iran’s oil and gas facilities could actually block the path to democratic transition,”

Had this discussion with colleagues last night. Really don’t understand the bombing of irans oil infrastructure. If there is a regime change, we’ve set them up for failure.

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Posted by jamboybarry

Member since Feb 2011

33252 posts

Posted on 3/9/26 at 9:21 am to Capt ST

quote:
Had this discussion with colleagues last night. Really don’t understand the bombing of irans oil infrastructure. If there is a regime change, we’ve set them up for failure.

It cuts off a huge source of revenue for the current government. If there is refine change we will inject massive amounts of cash to stabilize the country which will have a large O&G reconstruction component.

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Posted by No Colors

Sandbar

Member since Sep 2010

13222 posts

Posted on 3/9/26 at 9:26 am to TIGERHOLD

quote:
We then sell the oil to ourselves and use the proceeds to help rebuild Iran.

We are already a net exporter of oil. In order to keep the world market stable we would have to make sure the oil still flows to China. We could then use that money to rebuild Iran and help its people.

Cutting off China's flow of oil would be how you start a war.

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