US Military Strikes Target Iran's Strategic Qeshm Island
#GS-3 #Current Events #International #GS-1 #Geography #Physical Geography #Persian Gulf #Strait of Hormuz
Why in News
- The United States launched targeted military strikes on Qeshm Island in Iran to destroy infrastructure belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- These strikes aim to counter threats against American forces and protect global maritime security in the region.
Location and Key Ecological Features
- Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf and lies at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz near a major maritime chokepoint.
- The island belongs to Iran's Hormozgan Province near Bandar Abbas and is separated from the Iranian mainland by the Khuran Strait, which is also known as the Clarence Strait.
- The Qeshm Geopark is the first UNESCO-recognized Geopark in the Middle East, housing unique natural wonders such as the Valley of Stars and Chahkuh Gorge.
- The Hara Mangrove Forest on the island serves as a vital breeding habitat for various species of migratory birds.
- Extending over 6 kilometers, the Namakdan Salt Cave located on the island ranks among the longest salt caves across the globe.
Strategic Significance of Qeshm Island
- The island allows Iran to monitor and project military power across the Strait of Hormuz using coastal surveillance and naval installations.
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, handling roughly 20% of global oil and LNG trade.
- The island acts as a major military base for the IRGC, housing drone bases, radar equipment, missile batteries, and naval units to monitor shipping.