As the US-Iran conflict continues, Iran has revealed that its important crude oil export hub, the Kharg Island, has been attacked approximately 550 times over the past few months, but it is still operating. Meanwhile, in response to the continuous economic pressure from the United States, Iran is taking measures such as economic reforms and establishing an "Economic War Headquarters" to cope with the situation.
According to a report by Reuters on September 6, Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Patkianjadeh said in an interview with the country's national television station that the Halke Island has been attacked about 550 times over the past few months, yet it continues to operate.
This island is Iran’s most important crude oil export hub. Before this conflict, approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports went through this island. Since the United States began blocking Iranian oil exports in mid-April, related transportation has been affected.
On August 31, US President Trump also posted a video generated by artificial intelligence on social media, showing images of Halke Island being "destroyed." Iran had previously warned that it would respond strongly if the island were attacked.
According to the U.S. Central Command, as of September 6, the U.S. has forced 92 merchant ships to change their routes. Additionally, 3 ships were “paralyzed” by the U.S., and 2 ships were boarded for inspection in order to implement a blockade against Iranian oil exports.
The ongoing war and sanctions have also put pressure on Iran's domestic economy. Iran's Parliament Speaker Karlabaf stated that, in addition to the military front, another major challenge for Iran currently involves production and people's livelihoods. Rapid fluctuations in exchange rates, inflation, unemployment, and market management are all issues that need urgent attention.
Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madani Zadeh said on the same day that Iran will respond to US economic pressure with reforms. He emphasized that attempts by the US to change Iran's decisions through economic pressure will not succeed. "The responsibility of reforming Iran's economy lies with the Iranian government and people, not the US Treasury Department."
According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, Morteza Zamanian, the deputy minister of Iran's economy, said that the 'Economic War Headquarters' established by the department is intensifying efforts to address the economic problems caused by the war.
