Multiple blasts heard near Iran’s key oil export hub on Kharg Island

Multiple explosions of unknown origin were reported near Iran’s principal oil export hub on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf on Saturday.

The blasts occurred amidst heightened military tensions following a resurgence of direct strikes between US and Iranian forces across the Middle East.

What caused the explosions near Kharg Island?

According to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, a local correspondent on Kharg Island reported hearing several loud explosions originating from the surrounding waters of the Persian Gulf, though no visible smoke or immediate structural damage was observed on the island's onshore storage facilities.

Concurrently, state-affiliated Student News Network (SNN) and Nournews cited local maritime sources claiming that an Iranian crude oil tanker operating near Kharg Island was targeted by a missile launched by US naval forces. Neither US Central Command (CENTCOM) nor senior Iranian military authorities issued immediate official statements confirming or denying a direct strike on a vessel or military target in the area.

How does Kharg Island fit into the ongoing regional war?

Kharg Island, located approximately 15 miles off Iran's northwestern coast, serves as the main conduit for nearly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. The strategic facility has repeatedly been a point of friction during the six-month conflict that began with US-Israeli attacks in late February.

Saturday's incident follows a series of heavy exchanges this week. Following US raids on Iranian radar and coastal sites, Iranian forces executed retaliatory drone and missile salvoes against US military bases in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraqi Kurdistan. Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, with both Washington and Tehran maintaining active blockades in the Persian Gulf.