These are the most prominent Iranian oil ports within range of potential Israeli attacks

Iran is one of the world's largest oil producers and exporters, with daily production exceeding 3.6 million barrels, and has several major oil ports that play a vital role in exporting oil and gas, making them the lifeblood of the Iranian economy.

These oil ports are located in the Persian Gulf in particular, due to its proximity to major oil and gas importing countries. Recently, with the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, Western reports have indicated that Israel is considering launching strikes against Iranian oil infrastructure, including oil ports.

According to The Times of Israel and DW , these possibilities came as part of the Israeli response to the recent Iranian missile attacks, which targeted military sites in Israel last Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden said the United States was in talks with Israel about such possible strikes, but Washington recommended considering alternatives to avoid significantly escalating the conflict, which could affect global oil supplies and lead to higher oil prices.

The most important Iranian oil ports and the importance of each:

1. Kharg Port ( Kharg Island ):

The port of Khark is considered the most important oil port in Iran, and is located on Khark Island in the Persian Gulf. It is estimated that about 90% of Iran's oil exports pass through this port, making it the largest in the country.

The port exported about two million barrels of crude oil per day, according to 2023 estimates, and the most important importing countries dealing with the port of Khark were China, India, Japan and South Korea, with China and India being the largest importers.

2. Jask Port:

Jask Port is a modern oil port that was opened to reduce Iran's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports. It is located on the Sea of Oman, giving Iran greater flexibility in exporting oil away from the geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The port started operating in limited quantities, but over time it aimed to export about one million barrels per day in the near future, and it is being developed to be a strategic alternative to the port of Kharg.

As was the case with Kharg, China and India are among the largest importers from Jask.

3. Bandar Abbas Port:

Bandar Abbas Port is used as a major hub for the export of refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel. The port is located in the Persian Gulf and is one of the largest commercial oil ports in Iran, and not just in the oil sector.

Large quantities of refined petroleum products are exported from this port to Asian markets, and it is estimated that about 600,000 barrels of refined products pass through it daily. Countries importing from Bandar Abbas include the UAE, Oman, and India, in addition to other Asian markets.

4. Asaluyeh Port:

Asaluyeh Port is another important port for Iran, but it is mainly related to the natural gas industry. The port is located near the huge South Pars gas field, which is the largest gas field in the world. Liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) and gas derivatives are exported from this port to major Asian countries such as China and India. It is estimated that Iran exports about 30 million cubic meters of gas daily through this port.

5. Mahshahr Port

Mahshahr Port is located on the Persian Gulf and is used to export refined petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel. Many refineries in southern Iran rely on this port to export their products to regional and global markets, with refined products being exported to countries such as Iraq, Pakistan, and the UAE.

Iran's oil ports and major trading partners

Asia is the main destination for Iranian oil and gas exports, with a particular focus on China, which is Iran’s largest trading partner in oil, importing approximately 25%-30% of Iran’s oil exports.

Iran also deals through these ports with India, which imports a large amount of Iranian oil, estimated at 15%-20% of Iran's exports. Turkey and South Korea both import a large percentage of oil and petroleum products from Iran.

Iran's oil exports face many challenges due to international sanctions imposed on it. However, Iran has managed to circumvent some of the sanctions through indirect methods, while expanding its network of customers in Asia.

Despite these obstacles, Iran continues to play a vital role in oil and gas markets, relying on major oil ports to ensure the flow of its exports.

Source: Al-Araby Al-Jadeed