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CNN Analysis: A US attack on Kharg Island "could cripple Iran's economy"
2026-03-27 08:46:48 / BOTA
Kharg Island has returned to the center of international geopolitical tension, as the strengthening of the American military presence in the Middle East fuels scenarios for a possible operation against Iran's main energy "artery".
According to a CNN report, the deployment of warships, landing craft and thousands of marines has intensified speculation that Washington is considering taking control of the island, through which about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports are transported.
Kharg Island is a five-mile-long strip of land off the coast of Iran, about a third the size of Manhattan. US officials describe it as “the hub of all Iranian oil supplies.”
Its vast quays extend into deep waters that can accommodate supertankers, making it a key hub for oil transportation and export. The island has been a key pillar of Iran’s economy for decades. A declassified 1984 CIA document described the facilities as “the most vital in Iran’s oil system,” noting that their operation is essential to the country’s economic well-being.
While alternative export routes exist that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, they are considered limited and have not been tested on a large scale.
In 2021, the Jask oil terminal, in the Gulf of Oman, was inaugurated, however, according to the International Energy Agency, it is not considered a fully reliable alternative for massive exports.
However, before any operation, US ships would have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and move into the northern part of the Persian Gulf, facing threats such as drones, ballistic missiles and naval mines.
According to James Stavridis, such an operation would require complete air and naval superiority over a wide radius around the island.
An additional risk relates to possible attacks on landing craft, as well as the presence of thousands of workers at the island's oil facilities, who would need to be evacuated or brought under control.
Former President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard Haas, estimated that such an operation could deplete the significant US missile stockpile and be seen internationally as an attempt to seize Iranian energy resources.
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