The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has issued a stark warning that any military strike on Kharg Island would create “severe and unprecedented disruption” to global energy markets, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region amid ongoing conflict.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, in a social media statement early Monday, declared: “You once tested Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. If controlling the Strait reshaped oil prices for you, attacking Kharg would cause an even more severe and unprecedented disruption to global energy rates and distribution.” The warning comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed 13 military sites on the strategic island were targeted in recent airstrikes.
Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary oil export terminal, handling approximately 90% of the country’s crude shipments. Located in the northern Persian Gulf, the facility’s vulnerability has long been recognized as a potential flashpoint in regional conflicts. Analysts from Reuters note that any significant damage to Kharg’s infrastructure could remove millions of barrels per day from global markets, potentially triggering price spikes reminiscent of historical oil crises.
Tangsiri’s warning extended beyond energy markets to regional security dynamics. Addressing Persian Gulf leaders directly, he asserted: “We have repeatedly warned Gulf rulers that the U.S. and Western countries will not provide security. When their interests are threatened, they will sacrifice you for their own gains.” The naval commander argued that Gulf states are “beginning to realize they have been exploited for the ambitions of others” and called for unity among Islamic nations to remove U.S. presence from the region entirely.
The IRGC warning coincides with heightened security concerns expressed by other senior Iranian officials. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, separately warned of potential “false flag” operations by the U.S.-Israel coalition designed to blame Iran for major terrorist events. In a social media post, Larijani specifically referenced alleged conspiracies involving “remnants of the Epstein network” to orchestrate an incident comparable to the September 11 attacks.
These escalating warnings occur against the backdrop of sustained military action that began February 28, described by Iranian authorities as “U.S.-Israeli aggression.” The conflict has already influenced global energy markets, with Brent crude futures experiencing volatility as traders assess potential supply disruptions. According to BBC analysis, the Persian Gulf region accounts for about 30% of the world’s seaborne traded oil, making any sustained conflict there a significant threat to global economic stability.
As tensions mount, the international community watches closely whether Tangsiri’s warning represents rhetorical posturing or a genuine assessment of Iran’s defensive posture. With global energy security hanging in the balance, the strategic importance of Kharg Island has never been more apparent to markets and military planners alike.
Source: ARY News