Kharg Island: Iran's Oil Lifeline

0:00On March 11, Carg Island serves as the main hub for 90% of Iran's oil exports, handling up to 3 million barrels a day from the Persian Gulf. This five-mile-long coral island has stayed untouched amid the ongoing U.S. and Israel-bombing campaign, despite its huge role in Iran's economy. The U.S. has hit around 5,000 targets across Iran, but avoided the oil infrastructure so far. Israel struck a couple of refineries and storage sites over the weekend, causing heavy smoke over Tehran. Oil prices have jumped nearly $20 a barrel already, thanks to fears of retaliation, closing the Shred of Hormuz. Experts warned that targeting Carg could send prices soaring past $150 a barrel, disrupting global markets for months. Residents in the capital describe the refinery strikes as chaotic, with thick smoke blanketing the city, but no further oil hits have followed. Talk in Washington has included ideas like seizing the island to cripple Iran's cash flow, with some former officials pushing the plan.

1:03Yet analysts say repairs could take years, and it take over my trap oil on the island without easy export options. For now, leaders seem wary of the fallout, balancing military pressure with the risk of an energy crisis that hits everyone.