Kharg Island lies about 15 miles off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and is critical to the nation’s economy. Iran’s energy industry depends on the landmass. It’s where about 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports are processed and millions of barrels of oil are also stored. Pipelines from some of Iran’s biggest oil fields connect to Kharg.

The battle for Kharg Island could determine Iran’s economic survival—and reshape global oil markets as the U.S. and Israel weigh the risks of an energy shock.

Kharg Island lies roughly 20 miles off Iran's northern Gulf coast. For decades, it has served as Iran's main oil export terminal, historically handling 85–95% of the country's crude exports.

Trump spoke with reporters on Air Force One Sunday, stating the U.S. is “locked and loaded” to destroy Iran’s Kharg Island. Trump referred to previous U.S. strikes on the island, a place he described as the Iran’s “crown jewel,