14.03.2026 11:10
In the war between the US and Iran, the Washington administration targeted the strategic Hark Island, where approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports are made. One of the factors that makes Hark Island strategically important is its natural deep-water port. It is noted that if the oil infrastructure on the island is targeted, Iran's oil exports could largely come to a halt, which could lead to a sharp increase in global oil prices.
As the war between the US and Iran escalates into its third week, the Washington administration has targeted Hark Island, one of the most critical energy points in the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump announced that the attacks were carried out against military facilities on the island, known as the main hub for Iran's oil exports.
OIL INFRASTRUCTURE NOT TARGETED
US officials stated that the operation specifically targeted missile and naval mine depots. The Washington administration emphasized that these systems could be used to obstruct international maritime transport in the Strait of Hormuz, while highlighting that oil infrastructure was not directly targeted in the attacks.
Trump, in his statement, referred to Hark Island as Iran's "crown jewel," issuing a clear warning to the Tehran administration. He stated that if Iran obstructs ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz, the oil facilities on the island could also be targeted.
GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS CONCERNS
The attacks on Hark Island have raised serious concerns in energy markets. Analysts indicate that if the oil infrastructure on the island is targeted, Iran's oil exports could come to a halt, leading to a sharp increase in global oil prices.
The effects of the war have already begun to reflect on the global economy. It was announced that Canada, under the coordination of the International Energy Agency, has decided to release 23.6 million barrels of oil as part of an emergency measure.
Increasing geopolitical tensions have also affected the aviation sector. It has been reported that ticket prices for some international flights have rapidly increased due to rising fuel costs.
STRATEGIC CENTER OF IRANIAN OIL
Located about 30 kilometers off the coast of the Iranian mainland in the Persian Gulf, Hark Island is considered one of the most critical strategic points for the country's oil exports. According to Iranian media, approximately 90% of the country's oil exports are conducted through the terminal on this island.
The island, which has an area of approximately 21 square kilometers, is located off the coast of Bushehr province. Hark Island is about 30 kilometers from the Iranian mainland and approximately 55 kilometers from Bushehr Port, and it has residential areas in addition to oil terminals. It is reported that around 8,200 people live on the island.
OIL IS TRANSPORTED TO THE ISLAND VIA PIPELINES
There is no direct oil production on Hark Island. Crude oil extracted from the Abu Zar, Forouzan, and Durud oil fields located in Iran's land and maritime territories is transported to the storage and loading facilities on the island via underwater pipelines. The oil stored in large storage tanks here is then shipped to global markets, primarily in Asia, using large tankers.
STORAGE AND LOADING CAPACITY ON A GRAND SCALE
The storage capacity of the terminals on Hark Island, which are continuously modernized, reaches approximately 28 million barrels. It is stated that the daily loading capacity can reach up to 7 million barrels. However, due to the sanctions imposed by the US, the actual export capacity of Iranian oil is reported to be significantly below these levels.
Among the largest buyers of Iranian oil, China stands out, while due to sanctions, many countries have limited their oil purchases from Iran. Therefore, it is stated that the actual exports from the island average around 1.6 million barrels per day, with some periods reaching up to 4 million barrels.
Under normal conditions, approximately 950 million barrels of oil are exported from Hark Island annually, but due to sanctions, it is reported that the export capacity is utilized at about 60-65% of its potential.
ADVANTAGE OF A DEEP WATER PORT
One of the factors that make Hark Island strategically important is its natural deep-water port. Due to shallow waters along most of the Iranian mainland's coastline in the Persian Gulf, it is difficult for large oil tankers to dock, while the deep waters surrounding Hark Island allow large tankers to dock safely.
This feature makes the island one of the most important logistical centers for delivering Iranian oil to global markets.
KNOWN AS "FORBIDDEN ISLAND"
Due to its strategic location, large oil facilities, and high security measures, Hark Island is also known as the "Forbidden Island." To enter the island, non-locals, tourists, and new employees must obtain official permission from the Bushehr provincial governor or the National Iranian Oil Company.