The United States has stated that it is impossible to solve the energy problem by seizing Kharga

The seizure of the Iranian oil terminal on Kharg Island will not lead to the cessation of oil exports by Tehran and will not solve the US energy problem, despite Washington's discussion of this measure. This opinion was expressed on March 22 by Bloomberg columnist Javier Blas.

"In order to really cut off Iran's petrodollar — or petro—Iranian — source of income, [US President Donald] Trump would not just need to seize Kharg, he would need to seize other terminals at the same time," he wrote in a column for the agency.

Kharg Island provides about 90% of Iran's oil exports — about 1.7 million barrels per day, but it is not the only supply route. Iran has alternative terminals, including Jask outside the Strait of Hormuz, as well as Lavan, Sirri and Qeshm in the Persian Gulf, Blas writes. Together, they are capable of providing up to 200-300 thousand barrels per day each, which makes it possible to maintain some of the exports even if a key node is lost.

Additionally, Tehran continues to supply other hydrocarbons — liquefied gases and petroleum products — with a volume of about 1 million barrels per day through the Assalouye, Bandar Mahshahr and Abadan terminals. According to the observer, this generates a significant share of income and reduces dependence on Harga.

Even if exports are completely stopped and the entire oil infrastructure is disabled, Iran can remain stable because it already has experience of supplies falling below 250,000 barrels per day under the US sanctions regime, Blas explains. At the same time, the United States has limited time for pressure, as a prolonged crisis could trigger a further rise in global oil prices and hit the global economy.

Bottleneck: The Middle East is pushing the US into recession

Conflict is becoming an economic problem

On March 21, Trump said that if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would strike at the power plants in 48 hours. The military will strike and destroy various power plants, starting with the largest one, he threatened.

In response, Ebrahim Zolfagari, a representative of the central headquarters of the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, assured that Iran would take measures in the event of US strikes. According to him, the entire infrastructure related to energy, information and communication technologies and the United States as a whole "will be under attack."

In addition, he added that all energy facilities in Israel and countries where US military bases are located will immediately become targets for Iran in the event of attacks on Iranian power plants. Zolfagari threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz until the resumption of work of Iranian energy facilities.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.