The United States carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, on Friday, according to US President Donald Trump. He said American forces destroyed military facilities on the island but avoided damaging the oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island plays a vital role in Iran’s energy industry because it handles about 90% of the country’s crude oil exports. In a message posted on social media, Trump said the US military had “totally obliterated every MILITARY target” on the island while leaving oil installations untouched.

At the same time, he warned that the US could change its approach if Iran continues actions that disrupt shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

“However, should Iran, or ‌anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” Trump wrote.

The US president also said Iran would not be able to stop American military strikes if tensions continue to escalate.

“Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!” he said.

The warning comes at a time when shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has already been severely affected due to attacks linked to the conflict.

Global oil markets have been highly unstable due to uncertainty surrounding the war involving Iran. Trump’s shifting comments about how long the conflict might last have added to the volatility.

Iran has attacked ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

While Trump earlier suggested the conflict might end within weeks, he declined to provide a clear timeline when asked by reporters.

“I can’t tell you that,” Trump said. “I mean, I have my own idea, but what good ⁠does it do? It’ll be as long as it’s necessary.”

The International Energy Agency has already described the disruption to oil supplies as the largest in history, raising fears of further instability in energy markets.

Despite growing tensions, Iran has continued exporting oil from the island while other Gulf producers have stopped shipments because of fears of Iranian attacks.

Satellite images reviewed by TankerTrackers.com showed several very large oil tankers loading crude at the island on Wednesday. Between February 28, when the war began, and Wednesday, Iran exported between 1.1 million and 1.5 million barrels of oil per day.

Why Is It Called Iran’s “Crown Jewel”?

Kharg Island is often described as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s oil industry because it manages most of the country’s crude oil exports. Around 90% of Iran’s oil shipments pass through the island, making it the central hub of the country’s energy network.

The island receives crude oil from three major offshore fields — Aboozar, Forouzan, and Dorood — through a network of underwater pipelines. The oil is then processed at onshore facilities, stored in large tanks and loaded onto tankers for export to international markets.

Another reason for its importance is the deep waters surrounding the island, which allow very large oil tankers to dock easily. Much of Iran’s coastline is too shallow for such vessels, making Kharg Island the country’s most efficient export gateway.

Because Iran relies heavily on oil income, the island acts as a major financial lifeline for the government. Any disruption to operations there could significantly affect Iran’s economy and tighten global oil supplies.

Where Is Kharg Island?

Kharg Island is a small coral island covering about 7.7 square miles. It is located in the Persian Gulf off Iran’s southwestern coast, about 300 miles from the Strait of Hormuz.

The deep waters around the island make it ideal for oil exports, as most of Iran’s coastline does not provide easy access for large tankers. On average, Kharg Island handles between 1.5 million and 2 million barrels of oil exports each day.

In the weeks before the current US-Israel conflict with Iran, oil output from the region had risen to almost 4 million barrels per day, according to energy analytics firm Kpler.

After loading crude oil at Kharg Island, tankers travel through the Strait of Hormuz and then continue to global markets. A large share of these shipments often goes to China, one of Iran’s key oil buyers.