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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Strengthen Missile Defense in the Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN: In a show of military strength, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have introduced advanced missile systems on three strategic islands positioned near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor for global shipping. This deployment follows rising tensions with the United States, with state media reporting that these systems are designed to target adversary installations and vessels.
The missile systems have been set up on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands. Recently, the Revolutionary Guards conducted military exercises in the vicinity as part of their ongoing operations.
This announcement, made on Saturday, comes as Iran prepares to reply to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump. In his correspondence, Trump urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations while also warning of potential military responses if Iran declines to engage.
Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, emphasized the need to fortify the island group, declaring, "We have a tactic that must arm these islands and make them operational." He claimed that the new missile systems possess the capability to "completely annihilate any target within 600 kilometers (approximately 370 miles)."
On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed U.S. threats as ineffective, warning that any harmful actions toward Iran would lead to serious consequences.
Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized Trump’s letter as largely threatening, although he noted it also seemed to present opportunities. He assured that Tehran would provide a response "in the coming days."
In response, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Trump’s intention was to avert armed conflict with Iran and build trust, clarifying that the letter was not meant as a threat.
Since 1971, Iran has maintained control over the three islands, despite a long-standing territorial dispute with the United Arab Emirates. In September, Tangsiri mentioned that Iran was actively "expanding" its defense capabilities on these islands.
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