Iran deploys missile systems to three strategic islands after warning the US

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on March 22 that it had deployed a new missile system to three strategic islands near the Strait of Hormuz.

The missile system has been deployed on three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, according to AFP. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently held military exercises in the area.

A missile test launch in Iran, in this photo released on February 1

“We have a strategy to arm” the islands and make them operational, according to naval commander Alireza Tangsiri of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"We have the capability to strike enemy bases, ships and assets in the region," Tangsiri told Iranian state television, claiming the new missile systems "can completely destroy any target within a range of 600 kilometers."

Iran has controlled the three islands since 1971, although their sovereignty has been disputed with the United Arab Emirates for decades, according to AFP. In September 2024, Mr. Tangsiri said Iran was "expanding" its defense capabilities on the three islands.

The announcement of the missile system deployment to three strategic islands came as Iran prepared to respond to a letter from US President Donald Trump, in which he urged a resumption of nuclear talks and warned of possible military action if Tehran refused.

In a speech released on March 21, US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Mr. Trump was trying to prevent armed conflict with Iran by building trust with Tehran. Mr. Witkoff affirmed that President Trump's letter was not intended to be a threat.

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on March 21 that US threats against Iran "will not lead anywhere", and warned that "if they do anything harmful to Iran, they will receive a strong slap".

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/iran-trien-khai-he-thong-ten-lua-den-3-dao-chien-luoc-sau-khi-canh-bao-my-185250323084556185.htm