A US strike on Kharg Island. Washington signals readiness to attack Iranian oil exports

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a large-scale operation against military targets on Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. According to the U.S. Armed Forces Communication, on 14 March they destroyed more than 90 military facilities, including naval mine warehouses, missile bunkers, and other installations belonging to the Iranian armed forces.

At the same time, it was stressed that the oil infrastructure on the island was not breached during the raids. This decision may be political and strategic.

Warning signal for Tehran

Kharg Island is considered the most important element of the Iranian oil export system. According to various estimates, around 80-90% of these exports pass through terminals there. raw material from Iran.

The Axios portal estimated that the operation should be interpreted as a warning signal to the Tehran authorities. Washington shows that in the event of further escalation conflict can reach for economic objectives, including Iran's energy infrastructure.

The missile attack occurred when Iran attempts to put pressure on the West by blocking the Strait of Ormuz. This strategic route transports about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, so any disruption of shipping quickly translates into an increase in raw material prices in global markets.

The most vulnerable point of the Iranian economy

Kharg Island lies about 25 km from the Iranian coast and has served as the principal for decades export terminal The oil of this country. An extensive energy infrastructure – storage tanks, pipelines and handling stations capable of handling large tankers have been concentrated on a small area.

For this reason, it is one of the most sensitive points of the Iranian economy. The impact on the oil terminal could soon severely reduce oil exports from Iran and affect the global energy market.

The decision to skip oil installations may also have a strategic dimension. It cannot be excluded that leaving the energy infrastructure intact was a targeted action. The attack on military targets sends a clear military signal, while reducing the risk of rapid growth oil prices in global markets.

The terminal on the island of Kharg remains at this potential target for further strokes, which increases the pressure on Tehran in the context of the blockade of the Strait of Ormuz. Its destruction could lead to immediate escalation of the conflict, including attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf or damage to the energy installations of the countries of the region.