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Why is the US targeting Iran's Kharg Island?

2026-03-30 11:07:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Why is the US targeting Iran's Kharg Island?

US President Donald Trump has warned of the possibility of further action against Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil terminal, calling it the country's "economic lifeline".

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said he was considering invading the island, but added that such an operation would require US forces to remain there for some time. On March 13, he confirmed that US forces had destroyed military targets on the island, but had avoided oil infrastructure.

According to US media, the Pentagon has made preparations for the deployment of ground forces, while 3,500 sailors and marines have been sent to the Middle East as part of a group led by the USS Tripoli.

Kharg Island is critical to Iran, as it carries 90% of the country's crude oil. Taking the island would cut off a major source of revenue for the IRGC and could be used as leverage to force Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane, open.

Iran has beefed up defenses on the island, deploying additional military personnel, surface-to-air missiles and anti-personnel mines in the surrounding waters. The speaker of the Iranian parliament warned that any US troops would be met with fire.

While the US has struck military targets, oil infrastructure has remained intact, avoiding economic escalation and tension in global energy markets.

Trump has not made a final decision, saying: "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe not. We have a lot of options."/ CNA





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