Analysts: Iran boosted oil exports from Kharg Island ahead of US airstrikes

Oil shipments from storage facilities on Kharg Island increased by about one and a half times over the past month, according to data from the energy analytics firm Kepler. Analysts say the surge suggests that Iran accelerated exports in anticipation of a possible attack on the island, nearly emptying storage tanks and taking steps to reduce risks to its energy infrastructure.

The development comes as the United States carried out airstrikes on Kharg Island about an hour ago, according to the Fars News Agency. Field sources reported hearing more than 15 explosions during the attack.

According to available information, the strikes targeted several military facilities on the island, including army defensive structures, an offshore base located on the continental shelf, the airport watchtower, and a helicopter hangar. Observers also reported thick smoke rising over the island following the strikes.

Sources said that the island’s oil infrastructure was not damaged in the attack. Iranian officials had previously warned that strikes on the country’s energy facilities could trigger serious consequences and threaten oil and gas infrastructure across the region connected to the interests of the US and its allies.

After the operation, Donald Trump said that US forces had struck all military targets on Kharg Island. Opponents of Iran also claimed that the island’s defence systems had been completely destroyed.

However, sources said that defensive activity on the island resumed about an hour after the strikes, contradicting claims that its defence systems had been fully eliminated.

Trump had previously also stated on multiple occasions that Iran’s missile capabilities had been completely destroyed. Meanwhile, according to sources, the wave of missile and drone attacks in the conflict has already reached its 48th round.

By Tamilla Hasanova