What is Greater Tunb Island, the strategic point in the Strait of Hormuz targeted by U.S. airstrikes?

Greater Tunb Island, a strategically vital location in the Strait of Hormuz, was recently targeted by US airstrikes aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities. The island has been a point of contention between Iran and the UAE since 1971.
Why it matters
Control over the islands in the Strait of Hormuz is essential for monitoring global oil transit and regional maritime security.
The U.S. military’s Central Command said on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) that it had launched airstrikes on Greater Tunb Island in the Strait of Hormuz , targeting Iranian defence installations and missile sites.
The article provides historical context and explains the strategic importance of the location without taking a side in the conflict.
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