US President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a range of military escalation options against Iran, many of which centre on strategically critical Iranian islands located near the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway remains one of the most vital global trade routes and a central pressure point in the ongoing conflict.
According to a report by Axios, six Iranian islands have emerged as potential focal points in any major military operation. Their importance stems from their proximity to Hormuz and their roles within Iran’s oil export infrastructure and military defence network. However, while these islands may offer strategic leverage, capturing and holding them presents significant operational risks.
The Pentagon is currently developing military scenarios that could deliver what officials describe as a “decisive strike,” potentially involving both ground invasions and aerial bombardment. Among the options under discussion is targeting Iran’s key oil export hubs, though such actions could further escalate the conflict.
Kharg Island: Iran’s Oil Lifeline
Kharg Island lies approximately 15 miles off Iran’s coast and serves as the primary hub for the country’s oil exports, handling around 90 percent of total shipments. The island is equipped with freshwater resources and is home to thousands of residents, most of whom work in the oil sector.
Its surrounding deep waters allow large oil tankers to dock, making it a critical node in global energy flows. A direct strike on Kharg could rapidly halt Iran’s oil exports, a significant portion of which is directed toward China.
However, any attempt to invade or control the island would expose US forces to sustained Iranian attacks. Reports indicate that US officials have also considered imposing a blockade on Kharg as a means of pressuring Tehran into negotiations.
Larak Island: Control at the Narrowest نقطة
Larak Island is positioned at the narrowest point of the Strait of Hormuz, giving it exceptional strategic value. It functions as both a monitoring station and a launch point for offensive operations.
The island is equipped with fortified bunkers and fast attack vessels capable of targeting commercial shipping. From this location, Iran maintains oversight of maritime traffic and reinforces its control over the strait.
According to the report, seizing Larak could significantly weaken Iran’s ability to blockade Hormuz or deploy naval mines. However, its heavy fortification would make any military operation there highly complex and costly.
Abu Musa and the Tunb Islands: Militarised Disputed Territory
The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are located near the western entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. These islands remain a point of dispute, with the UAE demanding their return while Iran insists that its sovereignty over them is non-negotiable.
Iran has transformed these islands into forward military positions, storing missiles, drones, and naval mines while enhancing its ability to project force across the region.
Sources cited in the report indicate that the Pentagon has considered seizing Abu Musa specifically, as it would provide a strategic foothold near Hormuz and potentially limit Iran’s regional military capabilities.
Qeshm Island: A Large-Scale Strategic Target
Qeshm Island, located in Hormozgan province near the Strait of Hormuz, is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, covering approximately 558 square miles. Its size alone makes it a complex and resource-intensive target, and there are currently no clear indications of plans to invade it.
However, multiple reports suggest that Iran uses Qeshm as a storage and deployment hub for anti-ship missiles, naval mines, drones, and other offensive systems, many of which are housed in underground tunnel networks.
Previously known as a major tourist destination due to its natural beauty, the island has increasingly taken on a strategic military role in the current conflict.
High Stakes, High Risk
While these islands represent potential leverage points in any US military strategy, the risks associated with targeting them are substantial. Any operation to seize or neutralise these locations could trigger a broader escalation, deepen the conflict, and expose US forces to sustained retaliatory attacks.
The evolving focus on these islands underscores the central role of geography in shaping the trajectory of the war, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, where control translates directly into economic and strategic power.
