US President Donald Trump’s recent vow to seize Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, could have profound implications for both regional stability and global oil markets. Kharg Island is essential for Iran, handling around 90% of its crude oil exports. If the US were to take control, it would not only disrupt Iran’s economy but also significantly increase tensions in the region.
The operation to capture Kharg would be complex, requiring the US military to neutralise Iran’s air-defence systems and establish a foothold on the island. This could tie down Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, but holding the island would be fraught with challenges due to its proximity to the Iranian coast, making it vulnerable to retaliatory strikes.
Iran faces a dilemma: it could attempt to drive out US forces through missile or drone strikes, risking damage to its own vital infrastructure. Alternatively, if Tehran perceives the loss of Kharg as inevitable, it might consider rendering the island inoperable to inflict maximum damage on US interests.
The potential for conflict over Kharg Island underscores the fragile balance of power in the region. The outcome could reshape not only Iran’s economic landscape but also the geopolitical dynamics of oil supply, affecting prices and energy security worldwide.
Source: Euronews
