Why this tiny island could escalate the war in the Middle East

Most people have probably never heard of Kharg Island, but it's the backbone of Iran's economy. Situated about 30km off Iran's south-west coast, it's used to export most of the country's oil. Donald Trump has suggested the United States may seize control of Kharg Island to use it as a bargaining chip for leverage in negotiations with Iran. Trump has also threatened to completely obliterate the island, along with Iran's electric generating plants, oil wells, and desalination plants. Any such move could signal a major shift in the conflict, with retaliatory strikes that could have global ramifications. Read more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/a-significant-gamble-is-the-us-planning-to-seize-irans-forbidden-island/54rnagcwr SBS News is Australia's trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world. Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews Follow SBS News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints