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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards recently announced the deployment of advanced missile systems on three strategically located islands in the Gulf: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. These islands sit near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global shipping, and Iran claims the new systems are capable of targeting enemy bases, vessels, and assets within a 600-kilometer radius. The announcement came shortly after military maneuvers conducted by the Revolutionary Guards in the area, showcasing Iran’s growing military capabilities in the region.
The missile systems were introduced as part of a broader defense strategy by Iran, aiming to bolster its position in the Gulf. Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that these systems could effectively target key infrastructure in the area, providing Iran with significant military leverage. This deployment is seen as part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defense presence on the islands, which it has controlled since 1971, despite a long-standing sovereignty dispute with the United Arab Emirates.
The move also comes at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. Iran is poised to respond to a letter from US President Donald Trump, which encourages the resumption of nuclear talks but also warns of potential military action if Iran refuses. While US officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, insist that the letter was not intended as a threat, Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have stated that any further U.S. aggression will lead to a strong Iranian response.
The deployment of these missile systems underscores the strategic importance of the Gulf islands to Iran and highlights the growing militarization of the region as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
