ISRAEL could be plotting to destroy Iran’s most critical oil export hub after vowing to unleash revenge for its 181-missile barrage.
Fears of all-out war are brewing in the Middle East as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warned the terrorist state had made a “big mistake”.
AlamyA view of oil facilities on Kharg island in 2016[/caption]
Visible EarthIran’s Kharg island could be destroyed by Israel[/caption]
ReutersRockets fly in the sky after Iran fired dozens of missiles[/caption]
Israel is now planning a major response to last night’s unprecedented Iranian missile attack – likely to hit Iranian oil plants and air defence system.
A retaliation firestorm may also include targeted assassinations.
Iran’s crucial Kharg island could be one of Israel’s main targets – which up to 95 per cent of the country’s oil export flows.
Sat 25km off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf, it was once the world’s largest offshore crude oil terminal.
The CIA previously said the island was responsible for 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports before it was heavily bombed in the 1980s.
But even now, according to researcher Dr Eli David, up to 95 per cent of the country’s oil circulation goes through the hub.
With crude supplies in the region under threat, oil prices have soared by more than two per cent.
Iran is understood to be producing more than three million barrels a day – putting it at a five year high.
Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC: “There has been a lot of complacency about this war.”
She warned traders have mostly dismissed the threat of oil supply disruptions amid boiling tensions.
Croft added: “We do need to think about a scenario where Iranian oil supplies are at risk.”
Israel could be poised to stage a dramatic retaliation against Iran imminently after Iran’s salvo of missiles barreled towards Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa last night.
The IDF said that it intercepted “a large number” of the 181 ballistic missiles launched by Iran at Israel, thanks to the country’s cooperation with US and British air forces.
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Jordan said that it also intercepted a number of missiles and drones over its airspace.
Iran claimed its missile attack had succeeded in striking 90 per cent of its targets amid scenes of jubilation on the streets of capital Tehran.
But western experts discounted the claims and analysts branded the blitz another embarrassing flop and a 320 missile and drone attack in April was also repelled.
The Middle East is now teetering on the edge of a full blown war.
Tensions were high after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and launched a ground invasion of south Lebanon on Monday night.
Furious Netanyahu last night slammed Iran for making a “big mistake” and threatened “it will pay for it”.
He warned: “There is also a deliberate and murderous hand behind this attack – it comes from Tehran.
“We will stand by the rule we established: whoever attacks us – we will attack him.”
Israel Defence Forces’ Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari branded the multiple strikes “a severe and dangerous escalation” and warned: “There will be consequences.”
Hagari added: “There were a small number of hits in the centre of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel.
“The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness.
“Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
“Iran and its proxies have been attacking Israel since the 7th of October on 7 fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
ReutersIsrael’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets fired from Iran[/caption]
APAn Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon[/caption]