United States President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Washington could seize Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal has intensified concerns over global energy security. The island, located in the Persian Gulf, handles about 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it a cornerstone of the country’s energy infrastructure and a vital supplier to international markets.

Any disruption to operations at Kharg Island would have immediate consequences for global oil flows, particularly as markets are already strained by regional conflict and risks to key shipping routes. Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit chokepoint for global crude shipments, has amplified fears of supply interruptions, driving recent increases in Brent crude prices.

Analysts caution that physically seizing or blockading the island would pose significant military and logistical challenges. Its proximity to the Iranian mainland exposes any occupying force to counterstrikes, and maintaining control would require securing shipping lanes and protecting loading infrastructure. As tensions rise, Kharg Island is emerging as a focal point where military strategy and global energy stability intersect.