Kharg Island, the fragile oil lifeline behind Iran’s war economy

Kharg Island in the Gulf handles most of Iran’s oil exports, making it one of the most strategically important energy sites in the country. © NASA / Wikimedia Commons

A small island in the Gulf has become a flashpoint in the widening war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Kharg Island handles almost all of Iran’s oil exports – making it a vital economic lifeline for Tehran.

As fighting intensifies and oil prices rise, the island has drawn growing attention in Washington and in global energy markets.