Seven islands that hold the keys to the Strait of Hormuz

As US military forces mobilize in the region, attention has shifted to Iran’s strategic islands, with Kharg Island emerging as a focal point for potential operations. This key fuel hub in the northern Persian Gulf processes 90% of Tehran’s oil exports, making it a critical asset. However, Kharg is just one of many Iranian islands positioned to influence maritime security in the area.

Strategic Importance of the Islands

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Zhuhai, China, have identified seven islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Hengam, Qeshm, Larak, and Hormuz—as forming Iran’s “arch defense.” This configuration, they argue, allows Tehran to dominate the Strait of Hormuz. A hypothetical line connecting these islands illustrates their role in securing maritime routes, according to a 2022 study published by the Canadian Center of Science and Education.

“A hypothetical curve connecting these islands would further help to understand Iran’s strategic superiority in controlling the security of the Hormuz strait,” wrote Iranian researcher Enayatollah Yazdani and Chinese researcher Ma Yanzhe.

Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are particularly vital. Their proximity and the shallow waters of the gulf mean large vessels must navigate past them, exposing them to attacks by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack boats, drones, or mine layers. The islands are described as “stationary and unsinkable aircraft carriers,” a term used by Iranian officials to emphasize their defensive value.

US Military Buildup and Objectives

The IRGC has recently bolstered its presence on Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, as noted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri, the IRGC navy commander, stated that these positions are essential for striking enemy targets. He noted, “Our tactical approach dictates that we must arm and operationalize this group of islands. We have the capability to disrupt enemy operations in the region.”

With the recent death of Tangsiri in an Israeli operation, the US has extended its deadline for striking Iran’s energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the target date to April 6. Despite this, no pause has been announced in the broader military campaign. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed “progress has been made” in talks, but the effort to eliminate Iranian positions on the islands continues.

CNN reports that elements of two Marine Expeditionary Units, totaling around 4,000 troops, are en route to the Middle East. Additionally, approximately 1,000 soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have been alerted for deployment. Analysts suggest these forces may be necessary to secure Iran’s critical defensive outposts.

“I would use two MEUs to ensure overwhelming force,” said Hawaii-based analyst Carl Schuster, a former director of the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center.

Securing the islands could involve either air or sea operations. The US Navy’s landing craft, including LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushioned), are designed for beach landings, but navigating the gulf would require overcoming defenses on earlier islands—Hormuz, Larak, Qeshm, and Hengam—as well as the Iranian mainland.

“Larak, at the eastern entrance to the strait, presents a problem for naval vessels trying to get into the gulf,” said CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton. “With missiles or small attack craft launched from Larak, Iran could cut off anything passing through the strait. This is a critical military target.”

While no specific timeline has been set for amphibious assaults, the strategic significance of these islands underscores their role in shaping the conflict’s outcome. Control of the arch defense could determine the flow of global trade and the security of US naval movements in the region.