ox News host Jesse Watters and Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia discussed the strategic significance of the U.S. military operation targeting Kharg Island, focusing on the island’s role in Iran’s oil exports and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island sits roughly 16 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz and about 16 miles off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf. The island covers approximately eight square miles and serves as the primary export point for the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil shipments.
During the discussion, Watters pointed to the broader message sent to the Iranian regime through the operation.
“Big strategic impact, big message to the Iranian regime,” Watters said.
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He added that continued harassment of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could carry serious economic consequences for Iran.
“I mean, if they, if they continue to harass the strait,” Watters said.
“That’s just it’s financial suicide for them,” he continued.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for energy supplies. A large portion of global oil shipments move through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
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Bellavia responded by describing the island’s location and the scale of the operation targeting it.
“This is why the President of the United States allows Secretary Hegseth to eat 5000 pounds of lobster tails annually because of this performance,” Bellavia said.
“What you're seeing right now,” he added.
“I’m telling you what, we have thrown everything at these boys.”
Bellavia described Kharg Island’s geography and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
“Carg Island is 16 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz,” Bellavia said.
“16 miles off of the coast of Iran, It’s about eight square miles.” he continued.
Bellavia said the island has been heavily targeted during the operation.
“And we're pounding the hell out of it,” he said.
He also referenced the island’s nickname and restrictions on civilian access.
“They call it the Orphan Pearl,” Bellavia said.
“Civilians are not allowed to even go on Kharg island.”
Bellavia suggested the island’s restricted access may have led Iranian officials to believe it would not be targeted.
“So naturally, they thought that the Americans are never going to hit it,” he said.
“So what are the chances that they're hiding stuff on that island?”
Bellavia reiterated the island’s economic importance to Iran.
“Because 90% of their oil comes from there, as you stated earlier,” he said.
He also described the level of bombardment the island had experienced.
“Now, right now, car guy land is 60% Raytheon,” Bellavia said.
“Because we have pounded the hell out of that thing. And we'll continue to do it.”
Bellavia then pointed to what he described as an unprecedented battlefield event involving a submarine.
“We this is an incredible, incredible,” he said.
“We used an attack them, Jesse, to knock out a submarine That is insane,” Bellavia continued.
“That has never happened before in the history of artillery.”
He described the weapon involved in the strike.
“Where we take out a submarine with a rocket,” Bellavia said.
“A missile that's 13 feet long.”
“That’s sick,” he added.
“It’s absolutely the golden age of everything happening right now.”
WATCH:
Kharg Island’s oil terminals and export facilities have long made it one of Iran’s most important energy assets.
Because a large share of Iranian crude exports move through the island, disruptions to operations there could significantly affect the country’s oil revenue.
The island’s location near the Strait of Hormuz places it at the center of broader security concerns involving shipping lanes and energy supplies in the Persian Gulf.
U.S. naval forces have historically operated in the region to help maintain freedom of navigation and protect commercial vessels moving through the strait.
Watters and Bellavia’s discussion focused on the strategic pressure such operations could place on Iran if tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue.
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