A Blow To Iran's Heart: The Attack On Kharq Was A Watershed Moment
- 20.03.2026, 9:38
The U.S. operation on the island is changing global energy.
The U.S. attack on Kharq Island was an event that goes far beyond a localized military episode and is already having an impact on the global energy system. As Anat Hochberg Marom notes, this is not just a tactical strike, but an intervention in a key element of Iran's economic sustainability - its oil infrastructure, writes "Maariv".
Hark Island, located in the Persian Gulf, for many years remained the central hub for Iranian oil exports. Up to 95 percent of crude shipments passed through it, making it a critical asset for the country's economy. In essence, it was the "crown jewel" of the Iranian regime, on the stability of which depended foreign exchange earnings and Tehran's ability to finance both domestic and foreign projects.
The attack actually demonstrated the vulnerability of one of the world's most important energy hubs, according to Hochberg Marom. Hark's disruption triggered an immediate market reaction: oil prices rose sharply, volatility increased, and supply chains began to experience severe disruptions. She emphasizes that in the new reality, even a local strike can have global consequences.
The island's geographical location is of particular importance. It is close to key oil transportation routes leading through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy corridors on the planet. Any instability in this region has the potential to affect a significant portion of the world's hydrocarbon supply and directly impact Asia's largest economies.
Hochberg Marom points out that the consequences of an attack go beyond energy. The weakening of Iran's export capabilities reduces its financial resources and consequently affects the regional balance of power. At the same time, tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz, where any escalation could lead to large-scale disruptions in global trade.
"The U.S. attack on Kharg Island is not a 'surgical operation,'" the piece notes. It is emphasized that this is a turning point, which brings the confrontation between the U.S. and Iran to a new level, making it a factor in global politics and economy.
An additional risk is the possibility of retaliation from Tehran. The text says that we could be talking about a variety of scenarios - from attacks on infrastructure to attempts to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In this case, the consequences will be felt not only by the countries of the region, but also by the world economy as a whole - from the growth of transportation costs to changes in logistics routes.
Anat Hochberg Marom draws attention to the fact that the situation is already affecting inflationary processes and financial markets. According to her assessment, rising energy prices can put pressure on the economies of the United States, Europe and Asia, especially those that depend on imported resources.
At the same time, the crisis also creates new geopolitical opportunities. In particular, Israel, according to the author, can strengthen its role as an alternative energy and logistics center. Its infrastructure and geographical location allow the country to be seen as a potential bypass route for resource supplies in the face of instability in the Persian Gulf.
In general, as Hochberg Marom emphasizes, the world finds itself at a point where energy, security and politics are finally intertwined. This situation requires states and companies to revise their strategies, diversify their supplies and be prepared for new, tougher scenarios.