Iran oil output, exports continue uninterrupted despite Kharg island strikes by US

Iran on Tuesday said that oil production and exports are continuing without interruption despite recent US airstrikes on Kharg Island, a spokesperson for the parliamentary energy commission told semi-official Tasnim news agency.The spokesperson said daily life on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, was proceeding as usual even after military facilities on the island were targeted by US strikes last week.Kharg Island accounts for around 90% of Iran’s crude oil shipments and is widely seen as the backbone of the country’s energy exports. During the recent attacks, US forces struck military installations including missile storage areas and defence sites, while media reports suggested that oil export infrastructure was largely left intact. Also read - Kharg Island: Trump's mercy shot on Iran's oil lifeline could reshape the warThe commission spokesperson, who is also a lawmaker, reiterated Tehran’s warning over any future attacks on the island, saying such action would lead to “a greater humiliation than the Strait of Hormuz”, where Iran has previously restricted vessels it says are linked to the US, Israel and their allies.US President Donald Trump, speaking to NBC News, said earlier strikes had “totally demolished” most of the island’s oil infrastructure, and added that the US “may hit it a few more times just for fun”. However, in a separate social media post, Trump said he chose not to destroy oil facilities, stating, “Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known, but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.”“However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision,” he added.Kharg Island, located about 25 kilometres off Iran’s Gulf coast, plays a critical role in global energy flows due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. The island has storage capacity exceeding 34 million barrels and infrastructure capable of loading multiple supertankers simultaneously.Analysts say avoiding direct strikes on oil infrastructure may reflect a broader US strategy to limit disruption to global energy markets while retaining leverage over Iran. Iranian officials have warned that any attack on energy facilities could trigger retaliatory strikes against US or allied assets in the region.Despite heightened tensions and military activity, Iran has maintained oil flows from Kharg, underscoring the island’s resilience and central role in the country’s economy and regional energy dynamics.