A reported US attack on Iran’s Kharg Island has intensified concerns over rising global oil prices. Energy economist and lecturer Ed Hirs of the University of Houston told Al Jazeera that the strike could disrupt Iran’s oil exports. He noted that although former US President Donald Trump claimed he did not target oil infrastructure, Kharg Island is small, making it unlikely that export facilities escaped damage.

Hirs warned that if the assault permanently damages Iran’s export capacity and if oil production or exports from Iraq and Kuwait also halt, prices could climb further, especially if the conflict continues for weeks or months. He added that such a scenario would severely impact Asian economies, which are major importers of crude and refined petroleum products.

Earlier, Trump said on social media that US forces carried out one of the most powerful bombing operations in Middle East history, claiming all military targets on Kharg Island were destroyed.