Sources currently available to the DIRB indicate that Khark Island, which is located in the Persian Gulf, is significant to Iran for at least three major reasons.

First, the island plays a key role in the export of Iranian oil. The oil terminal at Khark, which was the "main export terminal for crude oil," became a target of Iraqi attack during the Iran-Iraq War (Iran: A Country Study 1989, 154-55). Khark Island is still a major outlet for Iranian oil export (Xinhua 16 Aug. 1992), and one source reports that an expansion of the Khark oil terminal was being planned in February 1994 (Moneyclips 16 Feb. 1994).

Second, the island is the site of the Khark Island Petrochemical Complex, which produces both for export and domestic consumption (BBC Summary 17 Mar. 1992).

Finally, Khark Island is significant for its military capabilities. According to Iran: A Country Study, the island has naval facilities (1989, 256). The attached BBC reports of 10 May 1990 and 15 September 1992 refer to two naval manoeuvres in the vicinity of Khark Island.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 17 March 1992. "Iran; Production Figures for Khark Petrochemical Complex." (NEXIS)

Iran: A Country Study. 1989. 4th ed. Edited by Helen Chapin Metz. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, pp. 154-55 and 256.

Moneyclips [London]. 16 February 1994. "'Khark-4' Oil Jetty Built by Iranian Experts." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 16 August 1992. "Iran Boosts Oil Export, Petrochemical Industry." (NEXIS)

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 15 September 1992. "Joint Military Exercises Staged in Northern Persian Gulf." (NEXIS)

. 17 March 1992. "Iran; Production Figures for Khark Petrochemical Complex." (NEXIS)

. 10 May 1990. "Iran in Brief; Naval Manoeuvres in Gulf to Start on 13th May." (NEXIS)

Iran: A Country Study. 1989. 4th ed. Edited by Helen Chapin Metz. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, pp. 154-55 and 256.

Moneyclips [London]. 16 February 1994. "'Khark-4' Oil Jetty Built by Iranian Experts." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 16 August 1992. "Iran Boosts Oil Export, Petrochemical Industry." (NEXIS)