US Strikes Iran’s Kharg Island, Escalating Tensions in Persian Gulf

Published – March 15, 2026 01:28 am IST

Iran has warned it will target American companies in the region if its energy facilities are attacked, following a U.S. Military strike on Kharg Island on Friday, March 13, 2026. The island, crucial for Iran’s oil exports, was hit with short-range rockets launched from bases in the United Arab Emirates, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

US Strike and Iranian Response

President Donald Trump stated that all military targets on Kharg Island had been “obliterated” but that its energy facilities were spared. However, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to retaliate if its oil and energy infrastructure is attacked. He stated Iran “will attack any energy infrastructure in the region which belongs to an American company or an American company is a shareholder.”

UAE Involvement and Concerns

Araghchi criticized the use of neighboring countries’ territory for launching attacks against Iran, specifically mentioning two bases in the UAE, including one near Dubai. He described this as “absolutely unacceptable” and warned of the danger of attacks occurring in highly populated areas, while too stating Iran would attempt to avoid targeting populated areas in any retaliatory action.

Trump’s Warning Regarding Hormuz Strait

President Trump previously threatened to bomb oil infrastructure on Kharg Island if Iran obstructs the passage of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic Importance of Kharg Island

Kharg Island serves as the primary terminal for nearly all of Iran’s oil exports. Iran has exported 13.7 million barrels of oil since the start of the conflict, with multiple tankers observed loading at the island as of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, according to TankerTrackers.com. The island is vital to Iran’s economy, generating significant revenue from oil shipments to countries like China. Damage to Kharg Island could destabilize both the current Iranian government and any potential future replacements.

Kharg Island Infrastructure

The island features storage tanks and housing for thousands of workers. It also supports a diverse ecosystem, with gazelles roaming freely near the refineries and depots, highlighting its value and sensitivity as a strategic asset.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the U.S. Struck a desalination plant on the island on March 8 – a claim that has not been acknowledged by Washington .

The U.S. Strike on Kharg Island destroyed military sites, but left oil infrastructure intact .

The strikes were launched from UAE territory .