International RelationsEconomy
News 21 of 29

US Targets Kharg Island Military Sites, Threatens $150 Oil Price Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Intl. RelationsEconomySecurity & DefenceHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains High
13 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:1.5 million barrels daily3.0 million barrels daily (ramp-up)18 million barrels storage$150 per barrel potential50 km from mainland
Bodies:US Navy
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The US attacked military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a crucial oil export terminal handling up to 3 million barrels per day.

2.President Trump stated he chose not to target oil infrastructure 'for reasons of decency' but threatened to reconsider if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is impeded.

3.Analysts highlight the strategic restraint to avoid triggering a massive oil price spike, as destroying Kharg's oil facilities could neutralize 90% of Iran's daily crude exports.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

A US military strike on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub, marks a significant escalation in regional conflict. The attack targeted military infrastructure, sparing oil facilities for now. However, the threat to global oil supply and shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz could push crude prices towards $150 per barrel, impacting global energy security and economies.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Daily Oil Export via Kharg1.5 million barrels (average)
Kharg Oil Storage Capacity18 million barrels (backup)
Potential Oil Price SpikeTowards $150 per barrel
Distance from Iranian Mainland~50 km

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Daily Oil Export via Kharg: 1.5 million barrels (average)
  • ›Kharg Oil Storage Capacity: 18 million barrels (backup)
  • ›Target this Data: Kharg Island handles ~1.5 million barrels of oil daily.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The US Navy (for escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz).
  • ›Target this Geo-point: Kharg Island is ~50 km from the Iranian mainland in the Persian Gulf.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint mentioned in the news, connects which two bodies of water?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding Kharg Island:

1. It is a coral island located approximately 50 km from the Iranian mainland in the Persian Gulf.

2. It was originally set up by the British Petroleum (BP) company.

3. Its deep-water jetties allow Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to dock, unlike much of Iran's shallow coastline.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the investment bank JP Morgan, what was the volume of oil Iran ramped up to passing through Kharg Island per day in mid-February 2026, in anticipation of an attack?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is cited as the primary reason the US initially avoided targeting Kharg Island's oil infrastructure, despite its strategic importance?

All 15 MCQs ▸
Read original article from Indian Express
You finished this topic
Practice 3 MCQs from this newsNext Article
Explore Related Topics
Intl. RelationsView Topic MCQs →EconomyView Topic MCQs →Security & DefenceView Topic MCQs →
PreviousNationwide HPV Vaccination Drive Launched for 14-Year-Old Girls Using U-WIN Platform, Aligned with WHO 2030 Elimination TargetNext SC Directs Centre to Revisit Duty-Free Yellow Peas Import, Links MSP for Pulses to Production Decline from 273 to 242 Lakh Tonnes
Related Current Affairs
Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US Strikes IRGC Targets in Strait of Hormuz; 5 Killed in Wedding, Oil Prices Cross $95/Barrel

The US and Iran have exchanged significant military strikes, ending a month-long lull. US Central Command targeted IRGC air-defence and maritime sites in response to attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones, hitting a wedding venue in southern Iran, killing five and wounding dozens. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted, pushing Brent crude above $95/barrel and raising global energy security concerns.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Houthi Capture of Perim Island Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Saudi Oil Exports via Red Sea

Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have captured Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, especially after the Strait of Hormuz disruption. This move threatens Saudi Arabia's alternative Red Sea export route and could spike oil prices. Saudi airstrikes have retaliated, escalating the Yemen conflict.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

US Imposes Sanctions on 60 Iran-Linked Entities; Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Oil Chokepoint

The US has widened economic sanctions on Iran, targeting 60 entities and vessels, while Tehran retaliates by threatening military action and blacklisting 45 tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. For India, which relies heavily on Persian Gulf oil, this escalation could raise energy costs and test diplomatic balancing. The situation directly impacts global oil supply, with the Strait carrying ~20% of world oil use.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Brent Crude Falls $4.08 as Trump Halts Iran Attack for Strait of Hormuz Deal

Oil prices crashed over $4/barrel after President Trump halted a planned attack on Iran to pursue a nuclear deal. The move has de-escalated fears over Strait of Hormuz disruptions, but OPEC+ also approved a 188,000 bpd quota increase, adding downward pressure.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran's 7-Day Plan to End War: Reopen Strait of Hormuz, US to Waive Sanctions on $12B Frozen Assets

Iran proposes a 7-day plan to end the war with the US, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and restart nuclear talks. The proposal mirrors a June MoU that collapsed. With US midterm elections approaching, the timing is critical as high fuel prices hurt Trump's approval ratings. This has direct implications for global energy markets and India's strategic interests in West Asia.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Oil Jumps 5% as Iran-US Compensation Demands Stall Reopening

Oil prices surged ~5% as hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz faded after Iran demanded US sanctions relief and compensation, while President Trump counter-demanded compensation from Iran for past attacks. This standoff threatens global energy supplies, especially for import-dependent nations like India, and has pushed Brent crude to $87.72/barrel.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran-Oman Negotiate Strait of Hormuz Reopening: US Disputes Iran's Proposed 'Service Fee' on 20% Global Oil Route

Iran and Oman are negotiating a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran proposing a 'service fee' for vessels using its controlled lane. The US strongly opposes any arrangement that grants Iran control or revenue from the strategic waterway, creating a complex diplomatic standoff with direct implications for global energy security and India's oil imports.

Intl. Relations Current Affairs

Iran-Oman Corridor Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Faces US Blockade Hurdle

Iran and Oman are negotiating a new corridor to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint, contingent on the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports. This development directly impacts global oil supply and West Asian geopolitics, making it crucial for UPSC international relations and security preparation.

Start Today's Quiz(15 Qs)