Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s most important oil export hub handling nearly 90 percent of its crude shipments, was reportedly struck by heavy airstrikes on the evening of Tuesday during ongoing ceasefire discussions.
Iranian media reported that key facilities on the island, including radar systems, dock infrastructure, and several military installations, were damaged.
Kharg Island is strategically vital because it stores more than 30 million barrels of crude oil and connects to Iran’s major oil fields through an extensive pipeline network, allowing large volumes of oil to be exported from the Persian Gulf.
The strikes were reportedly carried out by forces linked to the United States and Israel, marking a serious escalation in regional tensions.
Officials have not yet confirmed casualty figures or the full scale of the damage caused by the attack.
Because Kharg Island plays a central role in Iran’s energy infrastructure, any disruption could significantly affect the country’s oil exports and place further pressure on its already fragile economy.
Analysts warn that the attack could trigger wider instability across the region. Iran has previously threatened retaliation if its strategic energy facilities are targeted and may respond by striking American military bases or strategic assets.
There are also concerns that Iran could expand its response to neighboring Gulf nations that host US military facilities, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.