Why is Kharg Island important? What to know about the Iranian island struck by the U.S.
CBSN
President Trump said the U.S. military "totally obliterated" every military target on Kharg Island during large-scale precision strikes Friday, thrusting the strategic small isle into the global spotlight. In:
President Trump said the U.S. military "totally obliterated" every military target on Kharg Island during large-scale precision strikes Friday, thrusting the strategic small isle into the global spotlight.
Just 20 miles off Iran's northern Gulf coast, Kharg Island is Iran's hub for oil exports and a key bargaining chip Trump plans to use to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe.
The president said U.S. forces avoided the island's oil export infrastructure, but warned Iran that if they "do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."
Here's what to know about the heavily fortified island and why it is strategically valuable.
Kharg Island lies roughly 20 miles off Iran's northern Gulf coast. For decades, it has served as Iran's main oil export terminal, historically handling 85–95% of the country's crude exports.
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