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US Sets Sights on Iran's Strategic Persian Gulf Islands
Iran's Strategically Important Islands in the Persian Gulf
Iran controls several strategically located islands in the Persian Gulf that are crucial to its economic lifelines and military posture. These include Kharg in the western Gulf, as well as islands clustered around the Strait of Hormuz such as Qeshm, Larak, Abu Musa, and the Greater and Lesser Tunb. Among these, Kharg is particularly critical, handling approximately 80% of Iran's crude oil exports and being heavily militarized and fortified. Other islands like Qeshm also feature drone bases, naval bases, and oil export terminals.
Potential US-Iran Confrontation over Islands
US media reports indicate that President Donald Trump may consider invading some of these Iranian islands. To invade Kharg, US warships would need to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway heavily defended by Iran. Iran has deployed missile launchers and air-defense systems across the islands in the strait, complicating any potential military confrontation. Islands like Abu Musa and Greater Tunb also show signs of airports and likely missile launch sites, underscoring their military significance.
*Source: YouTube: NDTV (2026-03-31)*
