The United States military has launched fresh strikes on Iran's fortified Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a ground control tower in what it described as an act of self-defence. US Central Command claimed that Iran had attempted but failed to attack Kuwait and Bahrain with missiles, prompting the operation.
Qeshm Island, a 558-square-mile stretch off the Iranian mainland, has been used throughout the conflict to target ships passing through the strategically vital waterway. At the height of the war, it was considered a potential target for a US ground offensive aimed at breaking Tehran's hold on the Strait of Hormuz.
Once a tourist destination known for its salt caves and remnants of European colonial fortifications, Qeshm has been transformed by Iran into a military stronghold. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has equipped the island with missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats, making it a key asset for controlling the strait. Satellite imagery suggests that a significant portion of Iran's anti-ship missiles are housed in underground launch positions on the island.
According to defence analysts, any US campaign in the region would likely focus on two decisive islands: Kharg and Qeshm. Kharg handles 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports, while Qeshm operates as the IRGC's primary denial hub, designed to block traffic approaching the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn that taking Qeshm would be a difficult fight due to its size, terrain, and proximity to the mainland, with Iranian reinforcements likely to be continuous.
Iran has fortified the island with anti-ship capabilities, mined coasts, and booby-trapped beaches, preparing for a possible invasion. The US conducted similar self-defence strikes on Iranian radar and drone control sites in late May, but officials insist that renewed strikes do not signal an intention to restart the war or end the ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts continue, with former President Trump claiming to be close to a deal that would address Iran's nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is peaceful.
