US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will take control of Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil hub, amid stalled peace talks between the two nations. The island, located off the coast of Iran, handles approximately 90% of the country’s crude oil exports.

What is Kharg Island?

Kharg Island is a five-mile stretch of land that serves as the primary nexus for Iran’s oil supply. Its long jetties can accommodate oil supertankers, making it a vital site for oil distribution. The island has been a key component of Iran’s economy, with a declassified CIA document from 1984 stating that the facilities are essential to the country’s economic well-being.

Alternative export routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz exist, but they are limited and have not been extensively tested. In 2021, Iran inaugurated the Jask oil terminal, which allows crude oil to be transported to the Gulf of Oman. However, this terminal is not considered a viable export option for Iranian crude.

Military Preparations

In preparation for a potential US operation to take control of Kharg Island, Iran has laid traps and moved additional military personnel and air defenses to the island. The island already has layered defenses, and the Iranians have added shoulder-fired, surface-to-air guided missile systems.

Trump has previously floated the idea of taking the island, and the US has struck the island multiple times. The US President’s latest comments mark a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.