On the 13th of the month, the U.S. military attacked Karg Island, located in the Persian Gulf and deemed the 'heart' of Iran's oil industry as it accounts for 90% of the country's oil exports. The area, heavily guarded by Iran's elite force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is often referred to as a 'forbidden island' due to its restricted access. Understanding the implications of this attack and the nature of the island is key to grasping the shifting dynamics in the region.

Former President Trump asserted on the 13th that the U.S. had completely destroyed military objectives on Karg Island, with U.S. Central Command reporting the targeting of over 90 sites including mines and missile storage facilities, explicitly stating that oil infrastructure was left untouched. Nonetheless, Trump issued a stern warning that any disruption to the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran or any other party could prompt a reconsideration of this restraint regarding oil facilities, indicating the volatile nature of U.S.-Iran relations.

Iran has vehemently reacted to the attacks, with military and governmental responses reflecting the heightened tensions in the region. The outcome of this confrontation could significantly affect the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and the global oil market, especially given Iran's economic reliance on its oil exports.