On Wednesday, the U.S. military launched an attack on Iranian cruise missile storage and launch sites located on Greater Tunb, a small island in the Strait of Hormuz. This island is part of a long-standing territorial dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Greater Tunb is one of several islands Iran uses to control shipping in the Persian Gulf. Iran’s strategic positioning on these islands allows it to monitor the narrow shipping lanes with drones, antiship missiles, and fast-attack speedboats.
Apart from its strategic importance, Greater Tunb holds historical and political value for Iran. In 1971, Iranian forces seized Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands from the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates label these islands as “occupied,” claiming their historical ties to the Qasimi tribe, the rulers of two emirates integrated into the U.A.E. in 1971. The U.A.E. has attempted negotiations and approached the International Court of Justice over this dispute, but without success.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps maintains a presence on Greater Tunb, though the number of permanent residents remains uncertain. In 2023, Iran initiated efforts to encourage habitation on the islands and executed military exercises, aiming to solidify control.
The U.S. bombardment fits a pattern of military actions and threats in the Persian Gulf during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Former President Trump had also threatened operations against Kharg Island, Iran’s largest oil terminal, located around 400 miles from the Strait of Hormuz. Such a military move would necessitate a risky passage across the Persian Gulf.
Zane Irwin is an international reporter and a participant in the 2026-27 Times Fellowship, a program supporting emerging journalists.
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