Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported Sunday that an unidentified “enemy” launched missiles toward Qeshm Island, a strategically vital landmass sitting just off Iran’s southern coast in the Persian Gulf.

Why Qeshm matters

Qeshm Island sits near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes daily.

The island is also home to extensive underground military installations operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. These facilities reportedly house anti-ship missiles and drones, making Qeshm a linchpin in Iran’s asymmetric defense strategy.

US Central Command has conducted multiple self-defense strikes on Qeshm and surrounding areas in the…