Six crucial islands could decide Iran war — Axios
Photo: Islands of the Strait of Hormuz (wikipedia.org)
The US is considering the seizure of strategic islands in the Persian Gulf as one option for applying military pressure on Iran, from the oil hub of Kharg to fortified outposts near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios.
Kharg: Heart of Iran’s oil exports
Kharg Island is located about 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast and accounts for about 90% of the country’s oil exports.
Thanks to its deep-water harbor, large tankers can dock here. Thousands of people live on the island, mostly oil workers.
Photo: Location of Kharg Island (Google Maps screenshot)
The US is considering several scenarios regarding Kharg:
- Direct strike—would halt oil exports, a significant portion of which goes to China;
- Invasion and occupation—would put US troops directly in the line of fire;
- Blockade—as leverage for negotiations.
Larak: Control over Strait
Larak Island is located at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz and is another key hub for Iran’s oil exports.
Photo: Location of Larak Island (Google Maps screenshot)
Iran uses the Larak system here, a network of bunkers and attack vessels, to monitor and control the strait. Capturing the island would limit Iran’s ability to pursue merchant ships and lay mines.
At the same time, the island is heavily fortified and would be a difficult target.
Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb, disputed outposts
These three islands are located near the western entrance to the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the UAE. Despite claims by the United Arab Emirates, the Iranian military seized them back in 1971.
The islands are currently home to missiles, drones, and mine-laying vessels. The Pentagon has considered seizing Abu Musa, a move that would give the US a strategic foothold near the strait.
Photo: Location of Abu Musa, Greater Tuban, and Lesser Tuban (Google Maps screenshot)
Qeshm: Largest island, most challenging target
Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, with an area of approximately 1,445 square kilometers. According to numerous reports, anti-ship missiles, mines, drones, and other strike systems are stored in underground tunnels here.
Photo: Location of Qeshm Island (Google Maps screenshot)
Al Jazeera describes the area around the Strait of Hormuz as a bottleneck on the world’s most critical energy transit route, and Qeshm dominates this region.
The island previously had a reputation as a tourist destination. Iran accused the US of striking a local desalination plant at the start of the war, disrupting the water supply to villages. The US denies this.
There are no signs of preparations for an operation to seize the island.
According to the agency, seizing and holding Iranian territory would be a far riskier move than anything the US has done so far in this war.
The Pentagon is considering sending an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East. According to US military leadership, this would strengthen US President Donald Trump’s military capabilities.
A US victory over Iran would deal a blow to Russia. The success of all of Western civilization depends on this, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
