Iran has deployed missile systems on three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf

In a significant demonstration of strategic ambition, Iran‘s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has positioned missile systems on three strategically important islands in the Persian Gulf, thereby enhancing Tehran’s military presence in one of the globe’s most geopolitically critical waterways.

This deployment serves as a clear warning: Iran now has the capability to strike “enemy bases, vessels, and assets” throughout the region. The missiles are located on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—three islands situated just north of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows.

Control over these islands provides a strategic advantage over this essential energy corridor, where geographical significance intersects with global economic interests. This action follows a series of military exercises conducted by the IRGC in the adjacent waters, which are widely interpreted as a demonstration of strength directed at regional adversaries and beyond. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, affirmed the strategy of militarization, stating, “We have a tactic that we must arm the island group and make it operative.”

He emphasized, “We are capable of attacking enemy bases, vessels, and assets in the region,” noting that the missile systems can “completely destroy any target within 600 kilometers (370 miles).”

While Iranian officials have not officially disclosed the types of systems deployed, regional defense analysts and satellite imagery suggest the presence of the domestically produced 15th Khordad air defense system. First introduced in 2019, the 15th Khordad marks a significant advancement in Iran’s multi-layered air defense capabilities, functioning as an autonomous system designed to detect, track, and intercept various aerial threats, including advanced fighter jets, UAVs, and cruise missiles.

Equipped with Sayyad-3 surface-to-air missiles, the 15th Khordad system is estimated to have a radar detection capability of up to 150 kilometers and an engagement range reaching 200 kilometers. This extensive coverage effectively secures a significant portion of the central Gulf airspace, serving as a strong deterrent to both regional adversaries and Western military forces in the area.

This deployment reflects Iran’s dual strategy: a robust defense of its territorial integrity combined with a clear message of deterrence. Amid escalating tensions with the United States, this action aligns with a broader trend of military buildup in the region, particularly near critical energy chokepoints and vital maritime routes.

In a recent speech, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized Tehran’s resolute stance against Washington, stating, “US threats against Iran will get them nowhere. If they do anything malign to the Iranian nation, they will get a hard slap.”

The three islands, while small, hold significant geopolitical importance. Their location near the Strait of Hormuz provides control over maritime activities and strategic influence over the transportation of oil to global markets.

Iran took control of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa on November 30, 1971, just two days prior to the official formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since that time, Abu Dhabi, particularly the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, has persistently contested Iran’s claims of sovereignty, accusing Tehran of occupying what it views as Emirati land.

Greater and Lesser Tunb are located nearer to the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, while Abu Musa is positioned close to both Iran and Sharjah. An agreement reached in 1971 between Tehran and Sharjah aimed to create a joint administration for Abu Musa. However, over the years, Iran has increasingly asserted its unilateral authority over the island, establishing a military presence and enhancing infrastructure, actions that have prompted diplomatic protests from the UAE.

Iran asserts that these islands are “inseparable parts of Iranian territory” and has dismissed requests for bilateral discussions or international mediation. The UAE continues to advocate for its position on the international stage, including efforts to bring the issue before the International Court of Justice, which Iran has consistently rejected.

At its essence, the conflict over these islands transcends mere territorial disputes; it represents a critical flashpoint in the broader geopolitical rivalry unfolding in the Gulf. This region is characterized by intertwined issues of security, energy, ideology, and influence. As maritime traffic increases and the regional arms race intensifies, the militarization of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa highlights the Persian Gulf’s status as one of the most volatile and strategically significant areas in the global security framework.