IRIS Kharg

{{see also|Ol-class tanker (1965)}}

According to the Combat Fleets of the World, the ship was "greatly modified" in comparison to its Ol-class sister ships in service of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The ship's design was described by Jane's Fighting Ships as "incorporating some of the features" of the class, and fitted to carry dry stores and ammunition in addition to fuel.

File:IRIS Kharg pictured by American military in 1988 (vertical view) (cropped).jpg

File:IRIS Kharg (431) silhouette (cropped).jpg

Kharg displaced {{convert|11,242|t|LT|lk=on}} of standard load and up to {{convert|33,544|t|LT}} at full load. It had a gross tonnage of 18,880 and a deadweight tonnage of {{convert|9,517|t|LT}}. According to Jane's the vessel was {{convert|207.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} long, had a beam of {{convert|26.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and a draft of {{convert|9.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}. The Combat Fleets of the World records the dimensions slightly differently, with {{convert|207.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, {{convert|25.50|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and {{convert|9.14|m|ftin|abbr=on}} for length, beam and draft respectively.

Its original installed machinery included a pair of two-drum boilers built by Babcock & Wilcox, that rotated two Westinghouse geared turbine sets. The system was designed to generate 7,000 kW of electricity, and to provide {{convert|26,870|hp|MW|lk=on|order=flip}} for her single shaft coupled with the propeller. The ship was capable of reaching a nominal top speed of {{convert|21.5|kn|lk=in}}.

Its original navigation radar was manufactured by Decca Radar, a Decca 1229 model working on I-band, while the installed tactical air navigation system was a U.S.-made URN 20. It was also fitted with Inmarsat.

It was armed with an Otobreda 76 mm on its forecastle, as it was designed. The planned armament included two Bofors 40 mm gun, one on the helicopter deck and the other on the forecastle pedestal, that were never installed. It was equipped with four Soviet ZU-23-2s arranged in two twin mounts, as well as two 12 mm caliber heavy machine guns.

Its crew consisted of 248 officers and men. Kharg had a helipad with twin hangars, giving it sufficient capacity to embark three helicopters.

The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) classified Kharg as an AORH, i.e. fleet replenishment oiler with replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and hangar.{{cite book|author=The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2020|year=2020|publisher=Routledge|chapter=Middle East and North Africa|volume=120|number=1|isbn=9780367466398|doi=10.1080/04597222.2020.1707968|pages=351|s2cid=219624897}} Only two other Iranian vessels are capable of conducting RAS operations, the {{Ship|IRIS|Bushehr|422|2}}{{cite book|first=Anthony H.|last=Cordesman|title=The Second Key Shift in the Military Balance: The Rising Impact of Iran's Asymmetric Forces|chapter=Iran and the Changing Military Balance in the Gulf: Net Assessment Indicators|journal=Iran and the Changing Military Balance in the Gulf|jstor=resrep24240.6|jstor-access=free|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies|date=2019|page=131}} and the {{convert|755|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} long Makran,{{cite news |first1=Amir |last1=Vahdat |first2=John |last2=Gambrell |title=Iran's largest warship catches fire, sinks in Gulf of Oman |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/fire-strikes-largest-iranian-navy-ship-forcing-evacuation-78034043 |access-date=2 June 2021 |work=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=2 June 2021 |location=Tehran, Iran |language=en |quote=In recent months, the navy launched a slightly larger commercial tanker called the Makran it converted into serving a similar function as the Kharg. |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602053043/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/fire-strikes-largest-iranian-navy-ship-forcing-evacuation-78034043 |url-status=live }} which was commissioned in 2021.{{cite web |title=Two Iranian warships heading for Venezuela, US claims |url=https://theiranproject.com/blog/2021/05/30/two-iranian-warships-heading-for-venezuela-us-claims/ |website=The Iran Project |access-date=2 June 2021 |language=en |date=30 May 2021 |quote=the Makran, a former oil tanker that was converted to a floating forward staging base... |archive-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530130019/https://theiranproject.com/blog/2021/05/30/two-iranian-warships-heading-for-venezuela-us-claims/ |url-status=live }}

An assessment published by Stratfor in 2014, mentions that Kharg was an essential long-distance blue-water asset for the IRIN because of its ability to extend the range of Iranian warships, adding that "without this vessel, the small number of Iranian frigates would be unable to embark on extended deployments without consistent and frequent port visits along the way".{{citation|title=The Iranian Navy: A Symbolic Show of Force in the Atlantic|url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/iranian-navy-symbolic-show-force-atlantic|date=11 February 2014|work=Strator|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012525/https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/iranian-navy-symbolic-show-force-atlantic|url-status=live}}

Eric H. Arnett, a project leader at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), commented that Kharg could provide extra operational flexibility for the Iranian fleet and its capacity to carry large and heavy helicopters like the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King could improve the anti-submarine warfare abilities of the naval group it belonged to.{{citation|title=Military Capacity and the Risk of War: China, India, Pakistan, and Iran|isbn=9780198292814|last1=Arnett|first1=Eric H.|year=1997|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=302}}

Christopher Harmer of the Institute for the Study of War found the ship's ability to lift heavy cargo of particular interest. He argued that in view of the sanctions against Iran, Kharg was potentially ideal for safe transfer of valuable or politically sensitive assets, such as imported military equipment, gold or currency. In such a scenario, Kharg would have been the vessel supported by the warship it accompanied (an escort), rather than vice versa. According to Harmer, the fact that it was a naval vessel would deter foreign navies from an attempt to prevent its operations. After Kharg{{'}}s 2011 visit to Syria via the Suez Canal, U.S. Navy officer Joshua C. Himes opined that "the Kharg will raise suspicion simply due to its logistics capacity and potential to transport weapons/materiel to Iranian surrogates in the region".{{citation|first=Joshua C.|last=Himes|title=The Iranian Navy's Historic Mediterranean Deployment: Timing Is Everything|url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/iranian-navy%E2%80%99s-historic-mediterranean-deployment-timing-everything|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies|date=21 March 2011|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=23 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223122802/https://www.csis.org/analysis/iranian-navy%E2%80%99s-historic-mediterranean-deployment-timing-everything|url-status=live}}

Iran ordered the ship from the English shipyard Swan Hunter in October 1974{{citation|editor1-last= Saunders|editor1-first=Stephen|editor2-last=Philpott|editor2-first=Tom|chapter=Iran|title=IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2015–2016|publisher =IHS Jane's|location=Coulsdon|date=2015|edition=116th Revised|series=Jane's Fighting Ships|pages=394|isbn=9780710631435|oclc=919022075}} in a contract worth £40 million (equivalent to $54 million).{{citation|title=News|journal=Middle East Economic Digest|location=London|volume=28|date=13 July 1984|page=17}}

Kharg was laid down on 27 January 1976, launched on 3 February 1977{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=14|number=3|date=1977|pages=197–199|jstor=44888102}} by Gholam Reza Pahlavi and named by Manijeh Pahlavi, a member of the royal family. R. J. Daniel, a Royal Corps of Naval Constructors officer, wrote in his memoirs that the ceremonial ship launching was attended by the wife of the Shah's brother, and a cleric wearing a black turban blessed the battle honors but got the name of the ship wrong in his first attempt.{{citation|first=R. J.|last=Daniel|title=The End of an Era: The Memoirs of a Naval Constructor|publisher=Periscope Publishing|year=2003|isbn=9781904381181|pages=273–274}} It ran some trials in November 1978, but delays in fitting-out postponed its commissioning by the Imperial Iranian Navy and shortly afterward the Iranian Revolution took place.{{citation|editor-last=Couhat|editor-first=Jean Labayle|year=1986|url=https://archive.org/details/CombatFleetsOfTheWorld198687|url-access=registration|title=Combat Fleets of the World 1986/87: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Armament|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Maryland|isbn=0-85368-860-5|page=255}} In August 1979, it was reported that the Interim Government of Iran intended to cancel the contract, and as a result Swan Hunter was looking for a new purchaser.{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=17|number=1|date=1980|pages=36–38|jstor=44888213}}

File:INS Kharg alongside Walker Naval Yard 1982.jpg

It was painted in battleship grey{{citation|title=Kharg: Britain's $80m Iranian hostage|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=10 May 1980|page=11}} and between September 1979 and February 1980, the Kharg undertook sea trials in secrecy.{{citation|first=Joseph Finbar|last=Clarke|title=Building Ships on the North East Coast|volume=2|publisher=Bewick Press|year=1997|isbn=9781898880059|page=457|chapter=Swan Hunter – The Switch to Warship Yard}} Though it was delivered to the Iranian government on 25 April 1980, the British government refused to issue an export license for the ship.{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=17|number=3|date=1980|page=276|jstor=44890841}} This resulted in Kharg{{'}}s some 200 crew members being unable to leave the United Kingdom.{{citation|first=Anthony|last=Tucker-Jones|title=Iran-Iraq War: The Lion of Babylon, 1980–1988|publisher=Pen & Sword Books|year=2018|isbn=9781526728586|chapter=Naval Skirmishes}} Swan Hunter declared that it was uninvolved in any political implications and considered building Kharg a "straightforward commercial contract". The Guardian noted similarities between the complications over the delivery of the Kharg and the seizure of the battleship Reşad V, which was ordered by the Ottoman Navy from Vickers before the First World War; upon the outbreak of war, the British government seized the battleship and incorporated it into the Royal Navy.{{citation|title=Less than a Haven|work=The Guardian|date=1 May 1980|page=15}}

The Iranian government initiated negotiations to secure the export license, with the British government informing the Iranians that as long as the Iranian government refused to release their American hostages, Kharg would not be issued with an export license. After the hostages were returned to the United States, the export license remained unissued and in August 1981 the Foreign Office declared that the ship would not be issued an export license for the foreseeable future, citing the detention of a British national in Iran, Andrew Pyke, as the reason.{{citation|title=Iran Gaol Dispute Holds Ship on Tyne|work=The Guardian|date=12 August 1981|page=3}} Pyke was released in February 1982{{citation|title=British businessman Andrew Pyke, held in Iran without charge...|author=SAJID RIZVI|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/02/05/British-businessman-Andrew-Pyke-held-in-Iran-without-charge/1394381733200/|work=United Press International|date=5 February 1982|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034310/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/02/05/British-businessman-Andrew-Pyke-held-in-Iran-without-charge/1394381733200/|url-status=live}} and in July the Iranian government sent three high-ranking officers to inspect the Kharg. On 10 July 1984, Kharg arrived at Tyne Shiprepairers for overhaul{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=21|number=4|date=1984|pages=395–396|jstor=44891106}} and it started sea trials on 4 September. Kharg left the dock for Iran on 5 October 1984,{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=22|number=1|date=1985|pages=50–51|jstor=44888933}} after the British government approved its export without any armaments on the grounds that it was "not suitable for use in the war against Iraq".

{{Location map+|AFC|width=300|float=right

|caption=Known port calls made by Kharg

|places=

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Djibouti

| position=

| marksize = 5

| link = Djibouti (city)

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 11.35

| lon_deg = 43.08

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Latakia

| position= center

| marksize = 5

| link = Latakia

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 35.51

| lon_deg = 35.78

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Sudan

| position=

| marksize = 5

| link = Port Sudan

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 19.37

| lon_deg = 37.13

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Jeddah

| position=

| marksize = 5

| link = Jeddah

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 21.32

| lon_deg = 39.10

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Salalah

| position=

| marksize = 5

| link = Salalah

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 17.01

| lon_deg = 54.05

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Muscat

| position=

| marksize = 5

| link = Muscat

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 23.35

| lon_deg = 58.24

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Jinjiang

| position= right

| marksize = 5

| link = Jinjiang, Fujian

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 24.46

| lon_deg = 118.33

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Colombo

| position= bottom

| marksize = 5

| link = Colombo

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = 6.56

| lon_deg = 79.50

}}

{{Location map~ |AFC

| label = Jakarta

| position= bottom

| marksize = 5

| link = Tanjung Priok, Jakarta

| label_size = 75

| lat_deg = -6.10

| lon_deg = 106.89

}}

}}

Though completed in 1980, Kharg was not present for more than half of the Iran–Iraq War. It was added to the order of battle in 1984 and served almost three years in the war, supporting Iranian warships by refuelling, and carrying ammunition and supplies.{{citation|first=Nadia El-Sayed|last=El-Shazly|title=The Gulf Tanker War: Iran and Iraq's Maritime Swordplay|publisher=Springer|year=2016|isbn=9781349263042|at=Table 5.1, page 175}} In August 1987, Kharg led a fleet of six vessels, including {{Ship|IRIS|Riazi|302|6}} and aided by two Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters, to conduct a minesweeping operation in the Sea of Oman. The area of operation extended {{convert|10|nmi|lk=in}} east of the Fujairah to the Khor Fakkan.{{citation|first=Kwok Kin|last=Lai|title=Iranian Ships Scouring for Mines|work=The Globe and Mail|date=20 August 1987|id={{ProQuest|386049644}}}} Reports indicated that during the operation, American and French warships were nearby and exchanged radio communications with Iranians for identification without any further contact. When US forces carried out Operation Praying Mantis in April 1988, the ship was stationed at its home port of Bandar Abbas Naval Base.{{cite book|last1=Razoux|first1=Pierre|date=2015|translator=Nicholas Elliott|title=The Iran-Iraq War|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-91571-8|at=Appendix D, p. 526; Appendix D, p. 566}}

Kharg was refitted in 1994.{{citation|first=Nima|last=Adelkhah|title=Iranian Naval Adventurism in the Atlantic Ocean|url=https://jamestown.org/program/iranian-naval-adventurism-in-the-atlantic-ocean/|date=21 February 2014|journal=Terrorism Monitor|volume=12|issue=4|publisher=The Jamestown Foundation|access-date=8 September 2020|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212135804/https://jamestown.org/program/iranian-naval-adventurism-in-the-atlantic-ocean/|url-status=live}}

It visited Jeddah on 7 March 1998, marking the first port call of an Iranian naval ship to Saudi Arabia since 1979.{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=35|number=3|date=1998|pages=249–250|jstor=44892557}}

On 31 August 2009, Kharg, along with the frigate {{Ship|IRIS|Sabalan|73|6}}, formed the 3rd naval group and left home for an anti-piracy mission in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden that lasted 73 days until 17 November 2009.{{citation|first=Farzin|last=Nadimi|title=Iran's Evolving Approach to Asymmetric Naval Warfare: Strategy and Capabilities in the Persian Gulf|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus164-Nadimi-v2.pdf|type=Policy Focus|number=164|date=April 2020|access-date=15 July 2020|at=Appendix E: IRIN's Long-range Task Forces And Naval Visits Abroad, pp. 64–74|work=The Washington Institute for Near East Policy|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504225030/https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/pubs/PolicyFocus164-Nadimi-v2.pdf|url-status=live}} During its next, similar mission it sailed about {{convert|1,900|nmi|abbr=on}} to support the same warship as part of the 7th naval group for 92 days, from 17 March to 17 June 2010. Later that year, Kharg supported {{Ship|IRIS|Alvand|71|6}} in another Aden anti-piracy mission from 28 August to 15 November 2010.

Kharg entered the Suez Canal on 22 February 2011, with the frigate Alvand, on a deployment reported to be a training mission to Latakia, Syria.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12533803|work=BBC News|title=Iran warships sail via Suez Canal amid Israeli concern|date=22 February 2011|access-date=7 July 2015|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034452/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12533803|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022205296.html|title=Iran hails warships' mission in Mediterranean|first1=Ernesto|last1=Londoo|first2=Thomas|last2=Erdbrink|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=22 February 2011|access-date=7 July 2015|archive-date=1 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701202520/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022205296.html|url-status=live}} While docked at Latakia, a new cooperation agreement between Iran and Syria was signed aboard Kharg. The two ships, which comprised the 12th naval group, were on a mission from 27 January until they returned home on 21 March 2011, and in the Red Sea they saved a Hong Kong merchant vessel from Somali pirates.

It entered the Suez Canal again on 18 February 2012, after briefly docking at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17083791 |title=Iran warships enter Mediterranean via Suez Canal |work=BBC News |date=18 February 2012 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618012131/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17083791 |url-status=live }} It was sent along with the corvette {{Ship|IRIS|Naghdi|82|6}} of the 18th naval group on a combined mission involving anti-piracy, training and intelligence collecting activities, lasting for 64 days from 22 January to 26 March 2012. During this mission, it sailed some {{convert|12,000|nmi|abbr=on}} as far as the Mediterranean Sea and the personnel performed the Hajj. The two ships were together as the 22nd naval group, deployed for anti-piracy measures in the Red Sea between 1 September and 14 November 2012. They docked briefly at Port Sudan, which was described as an "unprecedented visit".{{citation|title=Iranian Warships Leave Sudan After Unprecedented Visit|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/24756478.html|date=31 October 2012|access-date=25 August 2020|work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225082543/https://www.rferl.org/a/24756478.html|url-status=live}} The two also engaged Somali pirates during the mission and released two hijacked merchant vessels in April, including the Bolivian-flagged bulk carrier Eglantine (whose deck was cleared by commandos), as well as the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship {{ship||Xiang Hua Men}}.{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=49|number=2|date=June 2012|page=108|jstor=44894790}} The mission was reportedly "closely monitored by Western and Israeli militaries".{{citation|first=Rupert|last=Herbert-Burns|title=International Naval Activity and Developments in the Indian Ocean Region in Q1 2012|date=April 2012|jstor=resrep10799|jstor-access=free|publisher=Stimson Center}}

As the very first IRIN vessels to enter the Pacific Ocean, Kharg and the frigate Sabalan were named the 24th naval group and made a {{convert|13,500|nmi|abbr=on}} journey to Jinjiang, China. The two ships made a port call at Colombo, Sri Lanka, en route. The voyage started on 22 January and lasted 72 days until 4 April 2013. The mission was described as the "longest range deployment in Iranian naval history".{{citation|first=Christopher|last=Harmer|title=Iranian Naval and Maritime Strategy|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|volume=13|series=Middle East Security Reports|date=June 2013|jstor=resrep07898|jstor-access=free|pages=21–23; 27}}

On 19 August 2013, it along with Sabalan comprised the 27th naval group and undertook another anti-piracy and intelligence operation near Bab-el-Mandeb. It was replaced by the landing ship {{Ship|IRIS|Larak|512|6}} in the middle of that mission.

It was teamed up again with Sabalan as the 29th naval group, departing for a scheduled three-month cruise to the Atlantic Ocean, starting on 21 January 2014.{{citation|title=Iran sends warships to Atlantic|url=https://apnews.com/e5a99a2bd9564ff1a8b1000894935051|date=21 January 2014|work=Associated Press|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603032400/https://apnews.com/e5a99a2bd9564ff1a8b1000894935051|url-status=live}} In mid-April, the plan was called off and the two were ordered to return.{{citation|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/13/iran-us-warships-atlantic-diplomat-border|title=Iran cancels plan to have warships approach US borders in Atlantic|work=The Guardian|date=13 April 2014|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111185036/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/13/iran-us-warships-atlantic-diplomat-border|url-status=live}}

Bellingcat reported that satellite imagery showed Kharg being moved to a floating drydock in August 2015, having been berthed at the ISOICO shipyard, Bostanu, since November 2014.{{citation|first=Chris|last=Biggers|title=Iran ISOICO Shipyard Imagery Update|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/09/17/iran-isoico-shipyard-imagery-update/|work=Bellingcat|date=17 September 2015|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815132942/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/09/17/iran-isoico-shipyard-imagery-update/|url-status=live}} It left the floating drydock in January 2016.{{citation|first=Chris|last=Biggers|title=Iran ISOICO Imagery Update|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2016/01/29/iran-isoico-imagery-update/|work=Bellingcat|date=29 January 2016|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901025140/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2016/01/29/iran-isoico-imagery-update/|url-status=live}} During its time in drydock, it underwent a major refit that included an overhaul of its boiler, the replacement of its steam turbines, and replacing and upgrading its navigation systems. Iranian officials said that the new systems were built domestically.{{citation|title=Upgraded Supply Ship Prepared for Launch|url=https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/36052/upgraded-supply-ship-prepared-for-launch|date=8 February 2016|work=Financial Tribune|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603032801/https://financialtribune.com/articles/national/36052/upgraded-supply-ship-prepared-for-launch|url-status=live}}

Its first post-refit deployment was to the Bab-el-Mandeb in June 2018, supporting Sabalan and Naghdi of the 54th and 55th naval groups respectively. It returned home on 21 August 2018.

On 8 December 2018, Kharg was teamed up again with the frigate Alvand as the 59th naval group and departed for an intelligence collection and escort operation in the Gulf of Aden. The two navigated {{convert|5,988|nmi|abbr=on}} in total, and their mission concluded on 20 January 2019.

Kharg was tasked to support the newly-commissioned {{ship|IRIS|Sahand|2012|6}} in its first oceangoing mission, including tanker escort and maritime patrol in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The voyage of the 63rd naval group lasted 100 days from 26 August to 29 October 2019.

It departed home on 30 January 2020, as the ship supporting the corvette {{Ship|IRIS|Bayandor|81|6}} in a voyage to cross the Strait of Malacca. The 66th naval group anchored at the Port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, between 25 and 28 February to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Indonesia–Iran relations. The mission was partly for training purposes and Kharg carried hundreds of cadets from the naval academy.{{citation|first=Apriza|last=Pinandita|title=Iranian Navy vessel anchors in Jakarta|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/02/25/iranian-navy-vessel-anchors-in-jakarta.html|date=25 February 2020|access-date=1 September 2020|work=The Jakarta Post|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809182554/https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/02/25/iranian-navy-vessel-anchors-in-jakarta.html|url-status=live}}

As of 2:25 a.m. on 2 June 2021, Kharg was on fire and sank near Jask in the Gulf of Oman at approximately 8:30 a.m.{{Cite web|date=2 June 2021|title=Iran's largest navy ship catches fire and sinks|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3135743/irans-largest-navy-ship-kharg-catches-fire-and-sinks-gulf|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602073103/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3135743/irans-largest-navy-ship-kharg-catches-fire-and-sinks-gulf|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/iran-s-largest-naval-ship-burns-and-sinks-in-the-gulf-of-oman |title=Iran's Largest Naval Ship Burns and Sinks in the Gulf of Oman |website=The Maritime Executive |date=2 June 2021 |access-date=3 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034329/https://maritime-executive.com/article/iran-s-largest-naval-ship-burns-and-sinks-in-the-gulf-of-oman |url-status=live }} All 400 crew were rescued, with 33 reported injured.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/iran-largest-warship-catches-fire-sinks-gulf-oman-f3e8126a8603326e1abc4705c6629fcd|title=Iran's largest warship catches fire, sinks in Gulf of Oman|website=Associated Press|agency=AP News|date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602162611/https://apnews.com/article/iran-largest-warship-catches-fire-sinks-gulf-oman-f3e8126a8603326e1abc4705c6629fcd|url-status=live}} The ship was reported to have been several days into a training mission.{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/disaster-for-iran-as-its-largest-naval-ship-sinks-669861|title=Disaster for Iran as its largest naval ship sinks|agency=Jerusalem Post|date=2 June 2021|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602155637/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/disaster-for-iran-as-its-largest-naval-ship-sinks-669861|url-status=live}}

The ship sank in a region of sensitive waterways around the Strait of Hormuz through which about 20% of the world oil trade passes, and where there have been accusations of attacks on ships of enemies Iran and Israel, with Israel attacking a dozen Iranian oil tankers bound for Syria in violation of an oil embargo, since late 2019,{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-strikes-target-iranian-oil-bound-for-syria-11615492789?mod=article_inline|title=Israeli Strikes Target Iranian Oil Bound for Syria|author1=Gordon Lubold|author2=Benoit Faucon|author3=Felicia Schwartz|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|url-access=subscription|date=11 March 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520204702/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-strikes-target-iranian-oil-bound-for-syria-11615492789?mod=article_inline|url-status=live}} and Iran reported to have attacked ships with limpet mines.{{Cite news |title=A visual guide to the Gulf tanker attacks |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 June 2019 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/13/a-visual-guide-to-the-gulf-tanker-attacks}} Iran did not immediately give the cause of the sinking,{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-navy-training-ship-fire-mouth-gulf-crew-evacuated-report-2021-06-01/ |title=Iran's biggest navy ship sinks after fire in Gulf of Oman |work=Reuters |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=3 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034312/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-navy-training-ship-fire-mouth-gulf-crew-evacuated-report-2021-06-01/ |url-status=live }} but a fire was reported to have started in the ship's engine room at approximately 11:00 a.m. on 1 June.{{cite web |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/174308/More-details-about-Iran-naval-ship-released-VIDEO |title=More details about Iran naval ship released (+ VIDEO) |date=2 June 2021 |publisher=Mehr News Agency|archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602114311/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/174308/More-details-about-Iran-naval-ship-released-VIDEO |url-status=live }} Satellite footage shows its wreck, having sunk in shallow waters, lying on its starboard side, with the bottom of the hull above water, and with much of the hull, port bridge wing, helo hangar, and flight deck visible from above.{{Cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/06/03/loss-of-iranian-navy-ship-mutes-tehrans-global-ambitions-3rd-warship-lost-since-2018#jp-carousel-86393|title=Loss of Iranian Navy Ship Mutes Tehran's Global Ambitions, 3rd Warship Lost Since 2018|date=3 June 2021}}

{{Portal|Iran}}

• List of former Iranian naval vessels

{{reflist}}

Between 2010 and 2013, the UK government declassified some confidential documents regarding the ship, that were published by the Margaret Thatcher Foundation:

{{Refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}

• {{citation|title=Defence: Howe minute to Heseltine ("Iran-The Kharg") [removal of the ship] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/830909%20Howe%20mnt%20to%20Heseltine%2019-0976%20f16.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f16|date=9 September 1983|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034311/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/830909%20Howe%20mnt%20to%20Heseltine%2019-0976%20f16.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: Robert Armstrong minute to No.10 ("The Kharg") [release of the ship to Iran] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/810106%20Armstrong%20mnt%20to%20No.10%2019-0976%20f32.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f32|date=6 January 1981|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034311/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/810106%20Armstrong%20mnt%20to%20No.10%2019-0976%20f32.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Cabinet: Armstrong, Wade-Gery, Hastie-Smith note circulated to OD Committee – OD(80) 77 (Defence Sales to Iran: The Kharg) [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/CF8380501E7B40FD97C18E978E02B49B.pdf|id=CAB 148/191|date=29 December 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034312/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/CF8380501E7B40FD97C18E978E02B49B.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Cabinet: Carrington memo circulated to OD Committee – OD(80) 76 (The Kharg) [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/057A5376B74747209519647C38CD8ECF.pdf|id=CAB 148/191|date=23 December 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034312/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/057A5376B74747209519647C38CD8ECF.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: UK British Interests Section Tehran to FCO ("The Kharg") [export permit issue] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800821%20UKE%20Tehran%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f47.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f47|date=21 August 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034313/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800821%20UKE%20Tehran%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f47.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: FCO minute to No.10 ("The Kharg") [prevention from sailing] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800606%20FCO%20mnt%20to%20No.10%2019-0976%20f53.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f53|date=6 June 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034313/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800606%20FCO%20mnt%20to%20No.10%2019-0976%20f53.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: Carrington to UK British Interests Section Tehran ("Kharg") [HMGrsquo;s refusal of the export licence] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800410%20Carrington%20to%20UKE%20Tehran%2019-0976%20f58.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f58|date=10 April 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034314/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800410%20Carrington%20to%20UKE%20Tehran%2019-0976%20f58.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: No.10 minute to MT ("The Kharg") [HMG's refusal of the export licence] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800409%20No.10%20mnt%20to%20MT%2019-0976%20f61.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f61|date=9 April 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034314/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800409%20No.10%20mnt%20to%20MT%2019-0976%20f61.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: UKE Washington to FCO ("US-Iran:The Kharg") [delivery of the ship to Iran] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800409%20UKE%20Washington%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f62.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f62|date=9 April 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034315/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800409%20UKE%20Washington%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f62.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Cabinet: Minutes of Defence and Oversea Policy Committee – OD(80) 4th (The Kharg, Overseas Aid) [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1BEF1D79F0B9414DBFE9A57AE75D6123.pdf|id=CAB 148/189|date=12 February 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034315/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/1BEF1D79F0B9414DBFE9A57AE75D6123.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Cabinet: Armstrong, Wade-Gery and Hastie-Smith note circulated to OD Committee – OD(80) 9 (The Kharg: Further Developments) [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/E0BBC53530A24FE4AB005E9F9A8BD0AC.pdf|id=CAB 148/190|date=8 February 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034317/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/E0BBC53530A24FE4AB005E9F9A8BD0AC.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Cabinet: Minutes of Defence and Oversea Policy Committee – OD(80) 3rd (BBC External Services, Armed Protection for British Government Representatives Overseas, The Kharg, The Falkland Islands) [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/071EF84CE97B471CA5A2CDE7799D2833.pdf|id=CAB 148/189|date=29 January 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034316/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/071EF84CE97B471CA5A2CDE7799D2833.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Iran: Havers minute to MT ("Iran") [legal considerations regarding attempt to prevent export of the Kharg to Iran] [declassified 2010]|url=https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/B1B6924E461B404A8933F5168E8B6442.pdf|id=PREM 19/274 f35|date=21 January 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034317/https://c59574e9047e61130f13-3f71d0fe2b653c4f00f32175760e96e7.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/B1B6924E461B404A8933F5168E8B6442.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: Nott minute to Pym (Delivery of the Kharg to Iran) [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800115%20Nott%20mnt%20to%20Pym%2019-0976%20f108.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f108|date=15 January 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034317/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800115%20Nott%20mnt%20to%20Pym%2019-0976%20f108.pdf|url-status=live}}
• {{citation|title=Defence: UK British Interests Section Tehran to FCO ("Iran-Defence Sales") [economic sanctions: delivery of the Kharg] [declassified 2013]|url=https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800114%20UKE%20Tehran%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f110.pdf|id=PREM 19/976 f110|date=14 January 1980|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603034318/https://ee9da88eff6f462f2d6b-873dc3788ab15d5cbb1e3fe45dbec9b4.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/800114%20UKE%20Tehran%20to%20FCO%2019-0976%20f110.pdf|url-status=live}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category|IMO 7500633}}

• [http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/K-Ships/kharg1980.html Profile at Tyne]
• {{csr|register=MSI|id=7500633|shipname=Kharg}}

{{Ol class tanker}}

{{2021 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kharg}}

Category:1977 ships

Category:2021 fires in Asia

Category:2020s disasters in Iran

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Category:Supply ships of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy

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Category:Military history of the Mediterranean