Tehran, Sep 05: The fight between the US and Iran has intensified, and large explosions occurred near Iran’s major crude oil export hub ‘Kharg Island’ on Saturday.
The series of explosions were heard shortly after the US missile attack on an Iranian oil tanker, Reuters reported. The military confrontation between the two countries in the Strait of Hormuz, a major lifeline for global energy supplies, has caused concern in global markets.
Tanker targeted near Kharg Island: According to Iran’s SNN and Fars news agencies, the US military has targeted an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island. The sound of continuous explosions was heard in the surrounding coastal area, and the extent of the damage is being assessed.
On August 30, the US attacked Iranian military bases on Larak Island near Hormuz. In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at US military bases in Jordan.
September 1 airstrikes: In early September, the US targeted Iranian maritime surveillance, radar, communication towers and mine-laying systems. In response, Iran responded by launching missile strikes on US forces in Iraq, Bahrain and Jordan.
Strait of Hormuz and global energy concerns:
Oil supply disruption: More than 20% of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy is trying to break the blockade imposed by Iran on this waterway, and the missile war between the two sides has completely disrupted commercial shipping.
Oil price hike fears: Kharg Island is a major terminal that handles 90 percent of Iran’s total crude oil exports. The threat of war in the region has increased the possibility of a sudden rise in crude oil prices in the international market.
The Pentagon has accused Iran of threatening global shipping by planting sea mines in international waterways. For this reason, the US Central Command has intensified operations to destroy Iranian maritime assets.
After the collapse of previous ceasefires, the conflict has shifted from land to sea. The exchange of fire between Iranian allies and joint US forces has increased fears that the entire Gulf region could be plunged into full-scale war.