In a world where small islands hold big secrets, Iran has transformed several of its southern coastal islands into fortified military strongholds. These strategic locations, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are crucial to both Iran’s military ambitions and its economy. With the recent establishment of runways, missile tunnels, drone sites, and hidden spots for attack boats, Iran’s hold on these islands not only fuels its power projection across the Gulf but also raises the stakes in the ongoing tension with the United States.
One island that deserves a spotlight is Carg, a mere 20 miles from the Iranian coastline. This tiny piece of land is an economic powerhouse for the country. Hosting major oil storage facilities and ports, Carg is the starting point for a staggering 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Analysts have noticed the delicate balance the U.S. government is trying to maintain. While American forces have already bombed military targets on Carg, they have strategically avoided its oil facilities thus far. The reasoning is simple: an attack on Carg’s oil capabilities would not only be a massive blow to Iran’s economy, but it could also send shockwaves through the global market, pinching oil supplies and increasing prices everywhere.
Instead of eliminating the oil facilities, there are whispers suggesting that the U.S. might consider taking control of Carg as a bargaining chip. This could open a dialogue for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate other American demands. However, military experts are wary of this plan, as holding the island could turn American troops into easy targets, making it a risky venture. The stakes are high, and every decision made carries a weighty consequence.
But Carg isn’t the only island in the spotlight. The contested islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tomb, and Lesser Tomb have been occupied by Iran since 1971, even though the United Arab Emirates also lay claim to them. Over decades, Iran has turned these islands into formidable military bases equipped with airstrips capable of housing planes, drones, and helicopters. The extensive network of bunkers and naval facilities located on these islands not only enhances Iran’s military posture but also allows for constant surveillance of the vital Strait of Hormuz. With such military assets in play, the islands serve as launch points for potential assaults, adding an extra layer of tension in an already volatile region.
Two additional islands, Keshum and Larok, reinforce Iran’s strategic hold in the area. Keshum, the largest island at the mouth of the Strait, is home to Iranian naval vessels and missile systems hidden away in underground tunnels. Larok Island has taken on the unofficial role of a toll booth for ships navigating the strait, adding yet another dimension to the Iranian control of maritime traffic in these contested waters.
As global tensions rise, the U.S. military landscape is also changing. President Trump had previously promised to keep American forces off Iranian soil, yet the recent deployment of a few thousand Marines, sailors, and soldiers to the Middle East adds an intriguing twist to the story. Speculation is mounting regarding potential U.S. military operations aimed at these strategic islands. Would the U.S. attempt a daring raid to capture them, or take a more cautious approach that effectively leaves Iran in control of this vital waterway? The answer may hold significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond.
