"Forbidden Island" in Iran. What do you know about it and why did Washington target it?

Iran's Kharj  Island, nicknamed the "Forbidden Island," is  the lifeblood of Iran's economy and its oil center of gravity in the Gulf, where logistics operations are concentrated for nearly 90% of the country's crude oil exports.

US President Donald Trump announced on the  "Truth Social"  platform that the US Central Command, based on his directions, carried out bombing operations targeting what he described as "military targets" on the island, pointing to the strategic importance of this site, which he described as  the "crown jewel".

The island is located about 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast and is classified as the world's largest open-air oil export terminal, with a loading capacity of 7 million barrels per day. The island derives its importance from the depth of its waters that allow for the reception of giant oil tankers, which most of Iran's shallow coastlines lack.

Millions of barrels flow daily from the main fields through pipelines to Kharj, which is under tight military control, from which the description  of "taboo"  is derived.The island is home to huge export docks and bioprocessing facilities, as well as an estimated storage capacity of 30 million barrels, according to data  from global  trade analyst Kepler.

Previous intelligence reports, belonging to the CIA, have confirmed since the 1980s that the  "Kharj"  facilities are the most vital link in the Iranian economic system, and that any targeting of them could lead to severe economic repercussions.

Iran contributes about 4.5% of the world's oil supply, with a daily production of 3.3 million barrels of crude, in addition to 1.3 million barrels of oil condensate and liquids.