- By Vaidika Thapa
- Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump on Friday stated that he is pausing strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days at Tehran’s request, signalling a possible effort in reaching a ceasefire deal. However, reports suggest that the US is also considering a possible ground operation in the Middle East. Thousands of troops are being deployed to the region, raising concern whether these forces could be used to take control of Kharg Island.
A major Iranian oil hub, Kharg Island handles most of the country’s exports. But it is not the only island that Tehran controls in the Persian Gulf. Iran maintains de facto control over seven key islands including Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, Hengam, Qeshm, Larak, and Hormuz. These landmasses are considered important for military and naval control.
How 7 Islands Strengthen Iran's Control Over Hormuz?
They are positioned in a way that helps Iran monitor and influence movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. According to Iranian researcher Enayatollah Yazdani and Chinese resarcher Ma Yanzhe, these islands together form what they describe as Iran’s “arch defense.”
As the islands are spread out in a curved line across the entrance of the Gulf, Iran can easily use them to watch, track, and respond to ships passing through. Over the years, Iran has strengthened its military presence on some of these islands, especially Abu Musa and the Tunb islands. They both are referred to as “unsinkable aircraft carriers” because, unlike ships, they cannot be destroyed or sunk.
Iran's Tactical Approach
Last year, the late IRGC navy commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri had talked about arming and operationalising this group of islands. A CNN report quoted him as saying: “Our tactical approach dictates that we must arm and operationalise this group of islands. We have the capability to strike enemy bases, warships, and assets in the region,” IRGC navy commander Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri said at the time.”
Amid escalating conflict in the Middle East that has narrowed down to maritime shipping routes, these islands play a crucial role in Iran’s defence strategy. With its control over these key islands, Iran gets an upper hand on influencing traffic on one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, the Strait of Hormuz.