Kharg Island

Context

Reports suggest that the United States is considering the possibility of seizing Kharg Island to restrict oil revenues of Iran.

Q1. Where is Kharg Island located?

1. Kharg Island is a small coral island situated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf.
2. It lies approximately 30 km from the Iranian mainland.
3. The island covers an area of about 25 square kilometres, with a length of around 8 km and a width of about 4.5 km.

Q2. What are the geographical features of Kharg Island?

1. Kharg is mainly a rocky limestone island. Unlike many Gulf islands, it contains natural freshwater reserves, which accumulate in the porous limestone rock.
2. The island experiences hot and humid climatic conditions typical of the Persian Gulf region.
3. Its highest elevation is Mount Didehban, rising about 87 metres above sea level.

Q3. How did Kharg Island develop into a major oil hub?

1. The island’s transformation began after the discovery of offshore oil fields in the early 1960s.
2. Key developments included:
   1. Construction of pipelines linking Kharg Island to offshore oil fields.
   2. Pipeline connections to oil-producing areas in Khuzistan Province.
   3. Establishment of large oil terminals and petrochemical facilities.
3. By the early 1970s, Kharg Island had become Iran’s largest oil-loading terminal.

Q4. What happened to Kharg Island during the Iran–Iraq War?

1. During the Iran–Iraq War, the island became a key target because of its role in Iran’s oil exports.
   1. Kharg Island was bombed multiple times during the conflict.
   2. Oil storage and export facilities suffered significant damage.
2. These installations were rebuilt and modernised in the early 1990s after the war.

Q5. Why is Kharg Island crucial for Iran’s economy?

1. Kharg Island remains the primary hub for Iran’s crude oil exports.
2. Key facts include:
   1. It handles around 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
   2. The island has oil storage capacity of about 28 million barrels.
   3. Its infrastructure can load very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and ultra large crude carriers (ULCCs). The terminal can load about 7 million barrels of oil per day.
   4. It is capable of loading eight to nine supertankers simultaneously.
3. This makes it one of the most important oil export terminals in the region.

Q6. What is the strategic importance of Kharg Island?

1. It is located near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints.
2. A large share of global oil shipments passes through this strait.
3. Control over Kharg Island could significantly influence regional energy supply and geopolitical dynamics.