Iran Deploys New Missile Systems on Strategic Gulf Islands
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have introduced new missile systems on three strategically significant Gulf islands, state media reported on Saturday. The missiles, stationed on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, are said to be capable of targeting enemy assets across the region.
These islands are located near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that the islands are being made fully “operative” and armed.
“We are capable of attacking enemy bases, vessels, and assets in the region,” Tangsiri told state television, adding that the new missile systems have a range of up to 600 kilometers (370 miles).
The deployment follows a recent letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Tehran, urging a return to nuclear negotiations and warning of potential military consequences if talks fail. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded on Friday, dismissing the threats and warning of a “hard slap” if any hostile actions were taken.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that while Trump’s message carried a threatening tone, it also opened some diplomatic space. He added that Iran would issue a formal response soon.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff clarified that the letter aimed to build trust and prevent armed conflict rather than provoke one.
Iran has maintained control over the three islands since 1971, though the United Arab Emirates has long contested their sovereignty. In recent months, the IRGC has intensified its defense activities on the islands, citing growing regional threats.
In September, Tangsiri confirmed that Iran was expanding its military infrastructure on the islands as part of broader strategic efforts to bolster its presence in the Gulf.
The deployment of missile systems underscores Iran’s commitment to strengthening its defensive capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the region.
