Summary
Kharg Island in Iran serves as a key location for processing and exporting the country's oil, handling 90% of Iran's oil exports. The island is heavily restricted and guarded, playing a crucial role in Iran's economic strength despite international sanctions. Historically, the island has been a site of significant strategic interest due to its location and resources.
Key Facts
- Kharg Island is located 55 kilometers northwest of Bushehr port, Iran.
- The island processes approximately 950 million barrels of oil yearly.
- It handles 90% of Iran's total oil exports, mainly to Asian countries like China.
- Facilities on the island receive oil from three major offshore fields: Aboozar, Forouzan, and Dorood.
- The Iranian government expanded Kharg's storage capacity by 2 million barrels in May 2025.
- Kharg has a historical link to various European colonial powers such as the Portuguese and Dutch.
- The island is secured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with restricted entry.
- Despite sanctions, Iran has continued to enhance the island's oil infrastructure.
