US Bombs Kharg Island, Iran’s Oil Hub Processing 90% of Exports, as West Asia War Enters Third Week

Two weeks into the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, one of the main objectives of Washington and its allies — regime change in Tehran — remains unfulfilled despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the start of the war.

Instead of weakening, Iran has widened the conflict across the Gulf region and tightened its grip over the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a maritime route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a massive bombing raid on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub. The strike was described as one of the heaviest military operations in the region’s history.

Kharg Island is often called the “orphan pearl” of the Persian Gulf and is considered the backbone of Iran’s energy economy.

Why Kharg Island Is Iran’s Oil Lifeline

Despite being only about five miles long, Kharg Island processes nearly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, making it one of the most important economic assets for the country.

Located roughly 25 kilometres off the Iranian coast, the island has deep-water facilities that allow large oil tankers to dock safely and load crude shipments destined mainly for Asian markets such as India and China.

In 2024 alone, Iran reportedly earned about $78 billion from oil exports, most of which passed through Kharg Island.

This revenue plays a vital role in funding Iran’s government operations and its military programs, including the development of missile and drone systems.

Because of its economic importance, analysts say capturing or disabling Kharg Island could severely weaken Iran’s financial and military capabilities.

Strategic Target for Possible Ground Operation

Military experts believe Kharg Island could become a key target if the conflict escalates into a full-scale ground operation.

Unlike mainland Iran — which is nearly four times the size of Iraq and filled with rugged mountainous terrain — Kharg is a relatively small island, making it a more manageable target for a military assault.

According to defence analysts, the island’s limited size and its distance from mainland Iran could make it vulnerable in case of a sudden attack.

Reports have suggested that US officials discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island during a closed-door meeting at the White House.

Experts Say Air Strikes Alone May Not Change the Regime

Geopolitical expert Robert Pape from the University of Chicago said history shows that air power alone rarely leads to regime change.

“For the past 100 years, there have been many attempts to topple regimes from the air, and air power alone has never done it,” Pape said, adding that a ground war would likely involve heavy casualties and prolonged conflict.

How a US Operation Could Target the Island

According to defence expert Sandeep Unnithan, any attempt to seize Kharg Island would require a carefully planned multi-phase operation.

The first step would involve establishing air superiority and disabling Iranian air defence systems to allow assault forces to move in safely.

The operation could involve elite US units such as the Navy SEALs, Delta Force and Army Rangers, supported by naval destroyers and amphibious assault ships.

Reports also indicate that the US is moving 2,500 Marines and three amphibious warships, including the USS Tripoli, from Japan to the Middle East.

If a ground operation were launched, most of the fighting would likely occur in the northern part of Kharg Island, where an airstrip and facilities controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are located.

The southern part of the island contains oil terminals and loading jetties and could be targeted to disrupt Iran’s oil exports.

As tensions continue to escalate across the Gulf, Kharg Island has emerged as one of the most strategically important flashpoints in the unfolding conflict.