Iran deploys new missile systems on contested Gulf Islands
Major General Hossein Salami visits an underground missile site of Iran's Revolutionary Guards at an undisclosed location in the Gulf, in this picture obtained on January 8, 2021. IRGC / WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
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Iran's Revolutionary Guards have unveiled new missile systems stationed on three strategic Gulf islands, saying they are capable of targeting enemy assets across the region, state media reported on Saturday.
The missiles were deployed on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, all located near the Strait of Hormuz – a critical global oil shipping route.
Alireza Tangsiri, naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the islands were being made 'operative' and fully armed.
'We are capable of attacking enemy bases, vessels, and assets in the region,' he told state television, adding that the new systems could hit targets up to 600 kilometres (370 miles) away.
The move comes days after US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Tehran urging a return to nuclear negotiations, warning of potential military consequences if talks fail.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded Friday, stating that American threats 'will get them nowhere' and warning of a 'hard slap' if any hostile actions were taken.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Trump's message, while threatening in tone, opened some diplomatic space, and noted that a formal response would follow soon.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the letter aimed to build trust and avoid armed conflict, not provoke one.
Iran has controlled the three Gulf islands since 1971, though the United Arab Emirates has long disputed their sovereignty. The IRGC has stepped up defence activities on the islands in recent months, citing regional threats.
In September, Tangsiri had confirmed Iran was expanding its military infrastructure on the islands as part of broader strategic efforts in the Gulf.
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