During the first two weeks of the latest war in the Middle East, as American and Israeli attacks hit military and energy facilities in Iran, one place remained untouched for a long time: Kharg Island.
Although very small, the island is a vital artery for the Iranian economy, processing around 90% of the country's oil exports. For this reason, any attack on it risks a major escalation of the conflict.
However, on Friday, the United States struck military facilities on the island, while oil infrastructure was not affected. This was confirmed by American officials and Iranian state media.
US President Donald Trump has warned that oil facilities could be targeted if Iran continues to block ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Why is Kharg Island so important?
Kharg Island is a coral island about a third the size of Manhattan, just 25 kilometers off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Every day, millions of barrels of oil from Iran's main fields - including Ahvaz, Marun and Gachsaran - are transported by pipeline to the island, which is also known by Iranians as the "Forbidden Island" due to its strict military control.
Its large marine terminals allow the anchoring of supertankers and make the island the main center of Iranian oil exports.
According to data, Iran produces about 3.3 million barrels of oil per day, supplying about 4.5% of the global market.
What happened during the attack?
Trump declared that the US military carried out one of the most powerful bombings in the history of the Middle East, destroying military targets on Kharg Island.
The attacks hit the island's airport runway, naval mine depots, missile depots and other military infrastructure.
Iranian authorities reported more than 15 explosions but said oil facilities were not damaged.
What consequences could an attack on oil have?
Tehran has warned that any attack on its energy infrastructure will lead to retaliation against oil and gas facilities in the region linked to American companies.
Analysts warn that a strike on Kharg Island could have major consequences for global energy markets.
"If the oil facilities on the island are hit, oil prices could spiral out of control," said former US general Mark Kimmitt.
Experts estimate that if the infrastructure is destroyed, it could take Iran months or even more than a year to rebuild it, which would significantly affect global oil supplies.
What could happen next?
Analysts warn that Iran could escalate the conflict by striking energy facilities across the region.
Meanwhile, the US has announced that it will send a rapid reaction unit of around 2,500 marines to the Middle East, while some experts do not rule out the possibility that American forces will try to take control of Kharg Island.
However, such an operation would require a large number of ground troops, something the US administration has so far been reluctant to do.
