US: "War to Last Several More Weeks"... Kharg Island Oil Facilities Also at Risk of Attack

If the Core Oil Export Hub Is Destroyed, Iran Likely to Retaliate
Hopes for an Early End to the War Diminish

There are growing projections that the Middle East war, which began with the United States and Israel attacking Iran, will continue for at least several more weeks. After several former Trump administration officials made similar predictions, it has also been confirmed that Israel is preparing additional military operations. In particular, there is increasing concern about the prolonged duration of the war as Iran's Kharg Island oil facilities, known as the "throat" of the country's crude oil exports, have been mentioned as a potential target for further military action. If the core export hub, which handles about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, is destroyed, it is expected that Iran will respond with corresponding attacks, making hopes for an early end to the war increasingly unlikely.

Satellite image of the oil terminal on Iran's Kharg Island taken on the 25th of last month (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

On March 15 (local time), Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council (NEC) Director, stated in a CBS interview that, according to the briefing he received, the current Iranian military operation is expected to last about four to six weeks. He added, "The operation is proceeding more quickly than anticipated." However, he clarified that the final decision on ending the war rests with U.S. President Donald Trump. Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, also appeared on ABC, saying, "This conflict will definitely end within the next few weeks. It could end even sooner," and noted that it may take several weeks before Americans are relieved from the burden of high gasoline prices.

Israel expects its operations to continue until early next month, which aligns with statements from White House officials. Efi Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said in an interview with CNN, "There are thousands of targets that still need to be struck," adding, "In coordination with the United States, we plan to continue operations for at least three weeks, until Passover." He further stated, "We also have plans in place for an additional three weeks after that." This suggests that the end of the war is likely to be pushed back at least until next month.

One of the next potential targets for military operations is the oil facilities on Kharg Island in Iran. Kharg Island serves as the main export hub, handling about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, and is often referred to as the "throat" of Iranian oil exports. Previously, the United States had attacked military facilities on Kharg Island. Foreign media outlets have reported that if the oil facilities on Kharg Island are targeted, Iran's oil exports would effectively be halted, which could prompt retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region. As a result, international oil prices would inevitably surge.

U.S. President Donald Trump, after attacking military facilities on Kharg Island, stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "We have carried out one of the most powerful bombing campaigns in Middle Eastern history, completely destroying all military targets on Kharg Island in Iran," emphasizing, "For moral reasons, we decided not to destroy the oil infrastructure." However, he also stressed, "If Iran or any other force attempts to impede the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will reconsider this decision immediately," thus leaving open the possibility of attacking the island's oil facilities.

The Guardian explained that if the facilities on Kharg Island are damaged, Iran will have no choice but to reduce oil production. In that case, with neighboring Gulf states already unable to export crude oil to the international market and supply disruptions ongoing, it could result in an additional loss of about 1 million barrels from the global market.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.