US strikes Iran-held islands in Strait of Hormuz

The expanding U.S. military campaign against Iran has targeted three small islands in the Strait of Hormuz: Iran — Abu Musa, Iran — Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and Iran — Greater and Lesser Tunbs. These islands were seized by Iran in 1971 from what would become the United Arab Emirates and now serve as a garrison for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enabling Tehran to exert significant control over the strait, through which a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passes in peacetime. In recent days, the U.S. military launched strikes on Iran — Abu Musa and Iran — Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands, renewing speculation about their fate. The islands' ownership remains disputed, with the UAE claiming sovereignty. The UAE has lobbied China and Russia to include language in joint statements about resolving the dispute through negotiations or international court. Analysts warn that a potential U.S. invasion would face challenges from Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. The conflict has already seen over 50 attacks on vessels and oil rigs, according to the United States — Joint Maritime Information Center.