- Iran’s largest island lies near Strait of Hormuz, with reported military facilities and key role in Tehran’s control of maritime traffic
- Island’s location has become significant amid US-Iran tensions, military strikes
Renewed US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island have drawn attention to its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, reported military installations and importance to Tehran’s control of maritime traffic.
The US military carried out “defensive” strikes on the island Monday, according to US media reports, citing an American official.
The official claimed that US forces targeted a surface-to-air missile launcher after Iranian forces allegedly attempted to target an American military aircraft.
The incident came more than eight months after the US and Israel launched their military offensive against Iran on Feb. 28.
Geography, population and economy
Qeshm is Iran’s largest island and the largest in the Gulf, covering approximately 1,500 square kilometres.
Located in the southern province of Hormozgan, it lies near the port city of Bandar Abbas, separated from the Iranian mainland by the Khuran waterway. The island stretches along the northern Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Oman’s Musandam Peninsula and the northeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates lie across the waterway.
Qeshm County, which includes Qeshm, Hengam and Larak islands, has a population of approximately 190,000, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Fishing, maritime transportation, tourism and trade are among the main economic activities. The island also hosts the Qeshm Free Trade Zone, commercial ports and industrial facilities that support trade with neighboring Gulf countries.
Its UNESCO-recognized geopark, known for its geological formations and marine biodiversity, is another attraction for visitors.
Strategic and military importance
Qeshm’s location near the Strait of Hormuz makes it important for Iran’s coastal defense and maritime surveillance.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy operates in waters surrounding the island as part of Iran’s military presence along the northern side of the strait.
Iranian media have reported IRGC activities involving Qeshm and nearby islands, while international media have identified a reported naval base and underground missile facilities on Qeshm.
In May, the IRGC announced an expanded maritime control zone extending from the western end of Qeshm toward the UAE’s Umm Al-Quwain and from Iran’s Kuh Mobarak toward Fujairah.
The announcement identified Qeshm as a geographical reference point in Tehran’s maritime control arrangements.
Latest US strikes
The US military carried out strikes on Qeshm Monday, according to US media reports, citing an American official.
“This was a defensive measure for Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets,” the official was quoted as saying.
The official claimed that American forces struck a surface-to-air missile launcher after Iranian forces allegedly attempted to target a US military aircraft.
The location of the launcher and the extent of the damage were not immediately clear.
The strikes followed an Iranian claim that its forces had brought down two American reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm.
The IRGC said Monday that its forces had downed two MQM-170 drones using electronic warfare systems, according to Iranian media. The claim could not be independently verified.
Major attacks during war
Qeshm has been among the Iranian islands and coastal areas targeted since the US-Israeli offensive began on Feb. 28.
On May 31, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced strikes against Iranian radar and drone command-and-control facilities on Qeshm and in Goruk on the mainland.
On June 5, CENTCOM reported additional strikes against coastal surveillance radar facilities in the same areas.
In March, Iranian authorities accused the US of attacking a desalination facility on Qeshm, disrupting drinking water supplies to 30 villages.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack, saying it targeted civilian infrastructure.
“The US set this precedent, not Iran,” he said.
Local authorities said the facility had supplied approximately 40,000 residents before repairs were completed and water supplies restored.
The IRGC later claimed it had targeted a US naval facility in Bahrain in retaliation.
Role in Strait of Hormuz shipping
Qeshm has gained further importance as Iran has tightened restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy has required vessels to coordinate their movements with Iranian authorities and use designated routes.
Some commercial ships have used an alternative passage between Qeshm and Larak islands instead of conventional shipping lanes farther south.
The passage lies within Iranian territorial waters, allowing Iranian authorities to closely monitor vessel movements.
Maritime reporting has also identified an IRGC naval installation along Qeshm’s southern coast near the passage.
Iranian authorities have warned vessels against using unauthorized routes or operating without identification systems.
Qeshm’s position opposite Oman and the UAE and near shipping routes serving Gulf countries makes it strategically important to regional trade.
Restrictions affecting routes around the island and the wider strait can disrupt oil and gas exports and commercial shipping across the region.
