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 latest escalation comes days after a fragile truce collapsed, raising concerns about a return to full-scale conflict. The development follows the U.S. decision to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, with Tehran once again threatening to disrupt regional energy exports.
Central Command said the operation on the island lasted 90 minutes. “The strikes further degraded Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.
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