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Hormozgan Province’s Lavan Island
Recent reports indicate that Lavan Island in Iran has been targeted by covert military strikes during a broader regional conflict. The island is currently relevant due to its strategic role in Persian Gulf oil exports and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
Lavan Island:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lavan Island is situated in the Persian Gulf, around 40 km west of Qeshm Island, within Hormozgan Province of Iran. |
| Geography | The island measures approximately 25 km in length and 5 km in width. |
| Epithet | Lavan Island is known as the Hidden Pearl Island due to its historical significance in the pearl fishing industry. |
| Economic Significance | The island serves as one of Iran’s critical oil export terminals and houses a major refinery. |
| Offshore Fields | Lavan Island acts as the operating base for the Salman, Resalat, and Reshadat offshore oil fields. |
| Infrastructure | The island has process plants, storage facilities, maintenance utilities, and a loading jetty for oil tankers. |
| Strategic Importance | The island lies near the Strait of Hormuz, an oil transit chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil passes. |
| Salman Field | The Salman Field is located 144 km south of Lavan and transfers crude oil to Lavan for final processing and export. |
| Geopolitical Relevance | Lavan Island’s role as an energy hub makes it sensitive during regional conflicts, affecting global oil prices and maritime security. |
| Recent Conflict | The reported strike on the Lavan refinery occurred during high tension involving the U.S., Iran, and Gulf monarchies. |
| Supply Chain Risk | The reported strike and retaliatory attacks highlight vulnerability of energy supply chains in West Asia. |