Kharg Island: Trump's Eye on Oil Hub Sparks Global Economic Concerns

The strategic importance of Kharg Island in the Gulf has caught US President Donald Trump's attention. As the war with Iran rages on, experts describe it as the country's 'Achilles Heel', handling around 90 per cent of its oil exports.

Located 16 miles from the coast of Iran, Kharg is a rocky outlet measuring less than eight square miles with a population of approximately 8,000. The island has been fortified by Tehran with additional surface-to-air missiles and traps, including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines in surrounding waters.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely halted since the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took control earlier this year, severely affecting global supply chains. Oil prices have surged to over $100 a barrel since the war began, with the IRGC warning they could reach $200 if hostilities escalate.

US Vice President JD Vance confirmed in April that 'military targets' on the outlet had been hit. Trump has previously suggested seizing the island altogether if needed. However, experts warn that an occupation would expand and prolong the war rather than deliver a decisive victory or leverage in negotiations.