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Showing posts with the label Persian Gulf Geopolitics

Strategic Energy Chokepoints and International Law: The Geopolitical and Legal Significance of Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz

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I. Introduction The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran have once again brought global attention to Kharg Island , a strategically critical node in Iran’s oil export infrastructure. Reports that the United States targeted military sites on the island, while deliberately avoiding energy facilities, highlight the delicate balance between military escalation and economic disruption in the Persian Gulf. Kharg Island is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s petroleum system because it serves as the primary export terminal through which around 90% of Iran’s crude oil shipments pass . Any attack on its infrastructure could have severe consequences not only for Iran’s economy but also for global energy markets. Simultaneously, developments involving safe passage for Indian LPG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate the broader geopolitical stakes surrounding the region’s maritime routes. The strait is one of the most important energy transit corridors...