Washington: The United States has warned Iran that its main oil export facilities on Kharg Island could become a target if attacks on commercial ships continue in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said Washington may strike Iran’s oil export network on the island if Tehran or groups linked to it keep threatening shipping routes in the strategic waterway. The warning comes amid rising tensions in the region following recent military actions between the two countries.
US forces recently carried out strikes on Iranian military installations on Kharg Island. According to US officials, the operation focused only on military targets and avoided the island’s oil export infrastructure.
Trump said the oil facilities were intentionally left untouched for now, but warned that the situation could change if shipping lanes remain unsafe for international vessels.
Kharg Island is the main hub for Iran’s crude oil exports and handles most of the country’s oil shipments to global markets. Energy analysts say any damage to the island’s export system would seriously affect Iran’s oil trade.
The warning comes as tensions continue in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for global energy supplies. A large share of the world’s oil passes through the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Recent attacks and threats against ships have already caused disruptions in shipping traffic, raising concerns about global oil supply and increasing uncertainty in energy markets.
Iran has warned that any strike on its oil infrastructure would bring a strong response and could lead to further escalation in the region.
Analysts say the situation remains fragile as both sides continue to exchange warnings while diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain uncertain.