The U.S. military has targeted Iranian cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb, one of the small islands in the Strait of Hormuz. This area has been a point of contention between Iran and the United Arab Emirates for decades.
Greater Tunb, along with Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, is central to Iran’s control over shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. These strategic positions enable the deployment of drones, antiship missiles, and fast-attack speedboats. Iran seized these islands from the U.A.E. in 1971, and the Emirates still refer to them as ‘occupied.’
The historical significance of Greater Tunb is notable. The U.A.E. asserts that the islands belonged to the Qasimi tribe since the 18th century. This tribe ruled two emirates that joined to form the U.A.E. in 1971. Despite attempts to negotiate and appeal to the International Court of Justice, the U.A.E. has not succeeded in resolving the dispute.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards maintain a presence on the islands, although the number of permanent inhabitants remains unspecified. In 2023, Iran launched efforts to increase population and conducted military exercises to bolster control.
Wednesday’s attack is part of a series of U.S. actions against Iranian positions in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing conflicts. President Trump has threatened operations on Kharg Island, Iran’s largest oil terminal located about 400 miles from the Strait of Hormuz, requiring a challenging navigational journey.
Zane Irwin, an international reporter, contributes insights as part of the Times Fellowship for emerging journalists.