US Weighs Targeting Iran’s Kharg Island as China Faces Oil Risk
The United States could potentially target or even attempt to seize Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, analysts say, though such a move risks escalating tensions across the Middle East and disrupting global energy markets.
Located around 24 kilometres off Iran’s coast, Kharg Island handles nearly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports. Oil shipments from the island pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces have carried out strikes on the island, though he later clarified that oil infrastructure has not yet been targeted. He warned that Washington could reconsider its position if Iran attempts to block tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
US Weighs Targeting Iran’s Kharg Island as China Faces Oil Risk
# Oil flows continue despite tensions
According to tanker tracking data cited by CNBC, at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since late February, with much of it believed to be heading toward China.
Even ships operating in so-called “dark mode” — with tracking systems switched off — can still be monitored via satellite imagery, analysts say. Iran has previously warned that vessels using the route could be targeted, prompting some tankers to disable tracking.
Shipping analytics firm Kpler estimates that roughly 12 million barrels have moved through the strait since the conflict began. While final destinations are difficult to verify, experts suggest a significant portion is likely reaching China, Iran’s largest oil buyer in recent years.
# China builds reserves amid uncertainty
Despite the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel, Iran has continued supplying oil to China, albeit at a slower pace. Reports indicate that China has significantly increased its crude stockpiles in early 2026, with imports rising by 15.8% compared to the previous year.
By January, China’s reserves were estimated at around 1.2 billion barrels — enough to meet domestic demand for three to four months. Analysts say that with additional imports from Russia and alternative energy sources, China could manage supply disruptions for up to six months.
# What if Kharg Island is targeted?
If Kharg Island’s facilities were seriously damaged or shut down, Iran’s oil exports could be severely curtailed, placing pressure on China’s energy supply. Rising oil prices — already climbing to around $104 per barrel from pre-conflict levels of $68–70 — are beginning to impact fuel costs in China.
# Why hasn’t the US struck oil infrastructure?
Experts suggest that directly targeting oil facilities could dramatically escalate the conflict, potentially triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran on regional energy infrastructure and causing a sharp spike in global oil prices.
For now, analysts believe Washington is seeking to apply pressure without provoking a full-scale war.
# Could the US seize Kharg Island?
Some analysts speculate that the US could attempt to capture Kharg Island in the future. Such a move would effectively halt Iran’s oil exports and could turn the island into a strategic military base.
However, this scenario remains highly uncertain. While reports have suggested that US naval forces carrying thousands of troops have been deployed to the Gulf, the Pentagon has not officially confirmed these claims.
Any attempt to seize the island would likely mark a significant escalation, with far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the global economy.
