Iran expects to restore most of its refining and distribution facilities damaged in the war to 70–80% of their capacity within one to two months, said Deputy Minister of Oil Mohammad Sadeq Azimifar. The authorities are working to repair the damage sustained in strikes on its energy infrastructure.Deputy Minister of Oil Azimifar told the Student News Network in an interview that repair work had begun and that part of the Lavan refinery is expected to resume operations within about 10 days, with other units coming back online gradually.&nbsp;Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure was significantly damaged during the war, which was a blow, with US-Israeli strikes hitting export hubs, refineries and petrochemical facilities that form the backbone of Tehran’s energy economy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pahalgam-massacre-enhanced-pak-s-image-globally-lashkar-commander-exposes-islamabad-s-role-in-killings-1775932347779">‘Pahalgam massacre enhanced Pak’s image globally’: Lashkar commander exposes Islamabad’s role in killings</a>&nbsp;One of the most sensitive targets was Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, where US-linked strikes hit radar and military sites around the facility, raising fears that disabling the island could “effectively cripple Iran’s economy overnight,” as revenue from oil forms a major portion of Tehran’s state income and wartime funding.&nbsp;US-Israeli airstrikes also hit oil depots around Tehran, triggering fires, toxic smoke and what officials described as “black rain” caused by burning fuel and petrochemicals. The strikes damaged storage infrastructure and raised concerns about oil spills and environmental fallout across the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-clearing-hormuz-of-mines-iran-says-us-warship-made-u-turn-after-warning-1775922887251">Trump says ‘clearing’ Hormuz of mines, CENTCOM confirms; Iran claims US warship made U-turn after warning</a>&nbsp;Strikes also targeted energy and industrial facilities, including a petrochemical plant in Tabriz, causing temporary power outages and disrupting fuel supply chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iranian authorities also reported attacks on fuel depots and refinery-linked infrastructure during successive waves of bombardment. Separately, attacks near Iran’s offshore energy network and export routes heightened risks to crude shipments, as the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led to one of the worst disruptions to global energy supplies. As oil flows squeezed, markets reacted to fears that Iranian exports could collapse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/footage-shows-massive-blast-at-qatar-s-ras-laffan-gas-hub-after-iranian-strike-1775914856343">Footage shows massive blast at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub after Iranian strike | Watch</a>&nbsp;The collective impact of strikes on export hubs, storage depots, and petrochemical infrastructure has weakened Iran’s ability to process and ship crude while increasing volatility in global energy markets.

One of the most sensitive targets was Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, where US-linked strikes hit radar and military sites around the facility, raising fears that disabling the island could effectively cripple Iran’s economy overnight.

Iran expects to restore most of its refining and distribution facilities damaged in the war to 70–80% of their capacity within one to two months, said Deputy Minister of Oil Mohammad Sadeq Azimifar. The authorities are working to repair the damage sustained in strikes on its energy infrastructure. Deputy Minister of Oil Azimifar told the Student News Network in an interview that repair work had begun and that part of the Lavan refinery is expected to resume operations within about 10 days, with other units coming back online gradually. Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure was significantly damaged during the war, which was a blow, with US-Israeli strikes hitting export hubs, refineries and petrochemical facilities that form the backbone of Tehran’s energy economy. Also Read: ‘Pahalgam massacre enhanced Pak’s image globally’: Lashkar commander exposes Islamabad’s role in killings One of the most sensitive targets was Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, where US-linked strikes hit radar and military sites around the facility, raising fears that disabling the island could “effectively cripple Iran’s economy overnight,” as revenue from oil forms a major portion of Tehran’s state income and wartime funding. US-Israeli airstrikes also hit oil depots around Tehran, triggering fires, toxic smoke and what officials described as “black rain” caused by burning fuel and petrochemicals. The strikes damaged storage infrastructure and raised concerns about oil spills and environmental fallout across the Persian Gulf. Also Read: Trump says ‘clearing’ Hormuz of mines, CENTCOM confirms; Iran claims US warship made U-turn after warning Strikes also targeted energy and industrial facilities, including a petrochemical plant in Tabriz, causing temporary power outages and disrupting fuel supply chains. Iranian authorities also reported attacks on fuel depots and refinery-linked infrastructure during successive waves of bombardment. Separately, attacks near Iran’s offshore energy network and export routes heightened risks to crude shipments, as the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led to one of the worst disruptions to global energy supplies. As oil flows squeezed, markets reacted to fears that Iranian exports could collapse. Also Read: Footage shows massive blast at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub after Iranian strike | Watch The collective impact of strikes on export hubs, storage depots, and petrochemical infrastructure has weakened Iran’s ability to process and ship crude while increasing volatility in global energy markets.

One of the most sensitive targets was Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, where US-linked strikes hit radar and military sites around the facility, raising fears that disabling the island could effectively cripple Iran’s economy overnight.

Iran to restore most of its damaged refinery facilities within two months: Deputy oil minister

&nbsp;Kharg Island, a small outcrop on the opposite side of the Persian Gulf from US bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is the centre of Iran’s oil industry, handling around 90 per cent of its exports. Its strategic importance has placed it at the centre of US considerations, as President Donald Trump weighs whether American forces could seize the island to pressure Tehran. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t,” Trump said, signalling that military options remain under review.&nbsp;Analysts, however, warn that targeting such a critical hub risks wider economic disruption and could further unsettle global energy markets. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also threatened to strike Iran’s broader infrastructure, including desalination plants, warning that if a deal to end the war is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, the United States would “blow up and completely obliterate” Iran’s power plants, “oil wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalination plants), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched’.”<h2>A risky operation for US forces</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Military experts, quoted by the Associated Press caution that any ground operation would expose US troops to significant danger. Kharg Island lies close to Iran’s mainland, placing forces within range of missiles, drones and artillery. &nbsp;Seizing Kharg Island could escalate the conflict, said Danny Citrinowicz, according to AP, an Iran expert at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. Iran and its proxies, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could intensify retaliation by laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launching drone strikes on targets across the Arabian Peninsula, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. “It will be hard to take. It will be hard to hold,” Citrinowicz said of Kharg Island. “And it might damage the economy, but not in a way that will force the Iranians to capitulate.”&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-water-war-trump-threatens-to-blow-up-iran-s-desalination-plants-how-could-retaliation-leave-gulf-cities-thirsty-1774938407674/1774938407675">Water war': Trump threatens to blow up Iran’s desalination plants. How could retaliation leave Gulf cities thirsty?</a>&nbsp;Even inserting troops “would be risky and carry the potential for casualties,” wrote AP, quoting Caitlin Talmadge of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also noted the difficulty of sustaining a presence so near Iranian defences.<h2>Limited impact on ending the war</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Kharg Island is about 33 kilometers (21 miles) off Iran’s coast. The US has already struck multiple targets on the island which includes air defenses, a radar site, the airport and a hovercraft base. Despite its strategic value, experts question whether capturing Kharg Island would alter the course of the conflict. The move could damage Iran’s economy, but may not compel Tehran to concede or end hostilities. One analyst described the idea as “a military mission in search of a strategic rationale,” highlighting uncertainty over what tangible outcome such risks would deliver. Others suggest alternatives, such as naval blockades, could exert pressure with fewer risks to personnel.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/plastic-crisis-how-the-iran-war-is-choking-petrochemical-supply-chains-and-driving-price-shock-across-asia-1774528638873">Plastic crisis? How the Iran war is choking petrochemical supply chains and driving price shock across Asia</a>&nbsp;Seizing the island could provoke retaliation across the region, including attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Iran and its allies have already demonstrated their ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, raising the prospect of a broader conflict. At the same time, a US Navy ship carrying about 2,500 Marines has recently arrived in the Middle East, while at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected soon, alongside another 2,500 Marines being deployed from California, underscoring the scale of the potential escalation.&nbsp;<h2>A high-cost calculation</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Kharg Island offers clear leverage over Iran’s oil exports, but the costs of capturing and holding it could be substantial.Experts warn that US troops would be highly vulnerable on Kharg Island due to its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from where missiles, drones and artillery could be launched, leaving only a limited window for American forces to intercept incoming attacks even with air and naval support. As the conflict intensifies, the question is not only whether the island can be taken, but whether doing so would meaningfully change the outcome.

Iran and its proxies, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could intensify retaliation by laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launching drone strikes on targets across the Arabian Peninsula, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea.

Kharg Island, a small outcrop on the opposite side of the Persian Gulf from US bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, is the centre of Iran’s oil industry, handling around 90 per cent of its exports. Its strategic importance has placed it at the centre of US considerations, as President Donald Trump weighs whether American forces could seize the island to pressure Tehran. “Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t,” Trump said, signalling that military options remain under review. Analysts, however, warn that targeting such a critical hub risks wider economic disruption and could further unsettle global energy markets. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also threatened to strike Iran’s broader infrastructure, including desalination plants, warning that if a deal to end the war is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, the United States would “blow up and completely obliterate” Iran’s power plants, “oil wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalination plants), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched’.” A risky operation for US forces Military experts, quoted by the Associated Press caution that any ground operation would expose US troops to significant danger. Kharg Island lies close to Iran’s mainland, placing forces within range of missiles, drones and artillery. Seizing Kharg Island could escalate the conflict, said Danny Citrinowicz, according to AP, an Iran expert at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. Iran and its proxies, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could intensify retaliation by laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launching drone strikes on targets across the Arabian Peninsula, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. “It will be hard to take. It will be hard to hold,” Citrinowicz said of Kharg Island. “And it might damage the economy, but not in a way that will force the Iranians to capitulate.” ALSO READ: Water war': Trump threatens to blow up Iran’s desalination plants. How could retaliation leave Gulf cities thirsty? Even inserting troops “would be risky and carry the potential for casualties,” wrote AP, quoting Caitlin Talmadge of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also noted the difficulty of sustaining a presence so near Iranian defences. Limited impact on ending the war Kharg Island is about 33 kilometers (21 miles) off Iran’s coast. The US has already struck multiple targets on the island which includes air defenses, a radar site, the airport and a hovercraft base. Despite its strategic value, experts question whether capturing Kharg Island would alter the course of the conflict. The move could damage Iran’s economy, but may not compel Tehran to concede or end hostilities. One analyst described the idea as “a military mission in search of a strategic rationale,” highlighting uncertainty over what tangible outcome such risks would deliver. Others suggest alternatives, such as naval blockades, could exert pressure with fewer risks to personnel. ALSO READ: Plastic crisis? How the Iran war is choking petrochemical supply chains and driving price shock across Asia Seizing the island could provoke retaliation across the region, including attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Iran and its allies have already demonstrated their ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, raising the prospect of a broader conflict. At the same time, a US Navy ship carrying about 2,500 Marines has recently arrived in the Middle East, while at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected soon, alongside another 2,500 Marines being deployed from California, underscoring the scale of the potential escalation. A high-cost calculation Kharg Island offers clear leverage over Iran’s oil exports, but the costs of capturing and holding it could be substantial.Experts warn that US troops would be highly vulnerable on Kharg Island due to its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from where missiles, drones and artillery could be launched, leaving only a limited window for American forces to intercept incoming attacks even with air and naval support. As the conflict intensifies, the question is not only whether the island can be taken, but whether doing so would meaningfully change the outcome.

Iran and its proxies, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels, could intensify retaliation by laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and launching drone strikes on targets across the Arabian Peninsula, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea.

Could Trump's attempt to seize Iran’s Kharg Island risk troops’ lives and still fail to end war?

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun”. He made the statements while claiming once again that the US strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island. In a 30-minute telephonic interview to NBC News, he claimed that Tehran wants to make a deal to end the warbut he isn't ready as “the terms aren’t good enough yet.” About Kharg Island, he said, “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” &nbsp;U.S. forces conducted a large-scale precision strike on Iran's Kharg Island on the night of March 13. Iran has threatened to reduce US-linked oil facilities in the region to a "pile of ashes." After the strike on Kharg Island, Trump said &nbsp;that the US had “totally obliterated every military target” on the island.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Where is Kharg Island and why is it important?</h2>Kharg Island is a small coral and rocky island, that falls under Iran's Bushehr Province. It is situated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and functions as the country’s main oil export hub. Often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” Kharg Island ships out roughly 90–95 per cent of the nation’s crude oil. The oil terminal here has the capacity to load around 7 million barrels per day and can service up to ten supertankers at once. The revenue generated from oil exported through Kharg Island is estimated at around $78 billion each year, making it a crucial financial pillar for the Iranian state.The island hosts facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including missile storage areas, naval mine depots, and air defence installations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Trump rules out possibility of deal for now</h2>In the same interview, the POTUS ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raises-doubts-about-supreme-leader-mojtaba-s-wellbeing-rules-out-iran-war-deal-for-now-1773538495777">Trump raises doubts about Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now</a>&nbsp;About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

US President Donald Trump said Washington may strike Iran’s Kharg Island again “just for fun,” while claiming earlier attacks had demolished targets there. In an telephonic interview, he also ruled out a deal with Tehran for now

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun”. He made the statements while claiming once again that the US strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island. In a 30-minute telephonic interview to NBC News, he claimed that Tehran wants to make a deal to end the warbut he isn't ready as “the terms aren’t good enough yet.” About Kharg Island, he said, “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” U.S. forces conducted a large-scale precision strike on Iran's Kharg Island on the night of March 13. Iran has threatened to reduce US-linked oil facilities in the region to a "pile of ashes." After the strike on Kharg Island, Trump said that the US had “totally obliterated every military target” on the island. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed Where is Kharg Island and why is it important? Kharg Island is a small coral and rocky island, that falls under Iran's Bushehr Province. It is situated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and functions as the country’s main oil export hub. Often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” Kharg Island ships out roughly 90–95 per cent of the nation’s crude oil. The oil terminal here has the capacity to load around 7 million barrels per day and can service up to ten supertankers at once. The revenue generated from oil exported through Kharg Island is estimated at around $78 billion each year, making it a crucial financial pillar for the Iranian state. The island hosts facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including missile storage areas, naval mine depots, and air defence installations. Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz Trump rules out possibility of deal for now In the same interview, the POTUS ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. Also Read: Trump raises doubts about Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

US President Donald Trump said Washington may strike Iran’s Kharg Island again “just for fun,” while claiming earlier attacks had demolished targets there. In an telephonic interview, he also ruled out a deal with Tehran for now

'Just for fun...': Trump wants to hit Iran’s Kharg Island again despite 'totally obliterated target' claims

Kharg Island: Iran’s oil lifeline bombed as US strikes strategic hub

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Iran to restore most of its damaged refinery facilities within two months: Deputy oil minister

US attempt to seize Kharg Island risk troops’ lives & still fail to end war

Trump wants to hit Iran’s Kharg Island again despite 'totally obliterated' claim

Kharg Island: Iran’s oil lifeline bombed as US strikes strategic hub