Axios: 6 Iranian islands are the potential targets in the US war
US President Donald Trump is considering a range of options for military escalation against Iran, many of which revolve around strategic Iranian islands, some of which are located near the Iran-blockaded Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important waterways, and a vital artery for international trade.
In a report on the subject, the Axios website highlighted six Iranian islands that it said were important in their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz and in some cases their role within Iran’s own oil sector or the country’s military defense system.
These islands may be crucial in the course of the war, but capturing and retaining them is a risky move.
The Pentagon is currently preparing military options to deal a knockout blow to resolve the war, including ground operations and possible aerial bombardment, according to a number of officials and informed sources.
Options include invading Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, or other Iranian islands, but the website warns that such steps could deepen the spiral of escalation.
Kharg Island is located about 15 miles off the Iranian coast, and nearly 90% of Iran’s oil is exported through it.
The island has freshwater resources, and thousands of residents live there, mostly oil workers.
The deep waters surrounding the island allow large oil tankers to dock there.
A direct strike on the island would quickly halt Iran’s oil exports, much of which flow to China.
Invading and controlling the island could pose a challenge to US forces because they could come under Iranian fire.
According to Axios, US officials have discussed imposing a blockade on Kharg to use it as a pressure card to persuade Iran to conclude a deal.
Larak island is Located at the narrowest point in the Strait of Hormuz, Lark Island is also a major export point for Iran’s oil sector.
The island has a network of bunkers and attack boats capable of destroying cargo ships, and Tehran uses the island to monitor and maintain control over the strait.
Axios believes that the capture of Lark Island could limit Iran’s ability to besiege Hormuz and deploy mines there.
Since the island is heavily fortified, US control of it would make it an unattainable target.
Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb
Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands are located near the western entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran from the UAE.
Iran is in dispute over their ownership with the UAE, with the latter demanding that Iran return them, while Tehran asserts that its ownership of the islands is non-negotiable.
Iran uses the islands as military anchors, maintains shipments of missiles and drones, and bolsters naval mine deployment capabilities, according to Axios.
According to sources who spoke to the website, the Pentagon has proposed the capture of Abu Musa Island, which would give America a strategic foothold near Hormuz and help limit Iran’s military capabilities in the region.
Qeshm Island is located in Hormozgan Province at the Strait of Hormuz, specifically off the southern coast of Iran, and is the largest island in the Persian Gulf.
It has an area of about 558 square miles, making it a huge target for US forces, although there are no indications yet to suggest plans to occupy it.
Multiple reports say Iran is using the island to store anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and other attack vehicles inside underground tunnels.
In the past, the island was a prominent tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty.
