Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command issued a statement today, declaring that oil and energy facilities belonging to companies cooperating with the United States would be "immediately destroyed and turned to ashes" if Iran's energy infrastructure were attacked.

The statement followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who stated he had instructed Central Command (CENTCOM) to "execute one of the most powerful airstrikes in Middle East history and completely wipe out every military target on Kharg Island, Iran's precious gem." Trump added that he chose not to destroy the island's oil infrastructure "for legitimate reasons."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also warned that Tehran would "abandon all restraint" if the United States took any aggressive action against Iran's islands across the Persian Gulf.

A satellite image providing an overview of Iran's Kharg Island on 11/3, days before the US airstrike. Photo: Airbus

Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, approximately 25 km off the Iranian coast and over 480 km from the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a crucial transshipment point, handling about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. The island, measuring just 6 km in length and 20 km2 in area, with numerous storage facilities and oil export ports, appeared to remain intact during the first two weeks of the conflict.

However, the United States appeared to increasingly focus on the island as the conflict prolonged. Following the US airstrike on 13/3, Iran's Fars news agency reported over 15 explosions on the island, with thick smoke rising. Targets hit included military defense positions, the Joshen naval base, an air traffic control tower, and a helicopter hangar. No oil infrastructure was damaged.

According to former US Army Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, the attack on Kharg Island significantly increased the risk level in the conflict and could push oil prices "out of control."

"The war is no longer simply about removing the regime and Iran's military; now the United States is attempting to destroy the country's economic lifeline," he stated.

Kimmitt believes the United States is turning the island into a "hostage" to ensure Iran permits vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he emphasized that if oil infrastructure on Kharg Island were attacked, "Iran will target energy facilities across the Middle East," adding, "And then, oil prices will go out of control."

Location of Kharg Island. Graphic: CNBC

The facilities at Kharg have the capacity to process 7 million barrels of oil daily, with most of it shipped to Asia, particularly China. Given Iran's significant economic reliance on energy exports, Kharg is considered a vital link for the nation.

Huyen Le (According to CNN, AFP)