Qeshm Island, famous as Iran’s missile city, is in the news. This island is very important for Iran. The reason for the discussion is the alleged attack by America and Israel on the water plant here. Qeshm Island is the largest island of Iran located in the Persian Gulf. It is at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz. About 20-25 percent of the world’s crude oil passes through this route. The geographical position of this island makes it like a natural fort. Its length is approximately 135 kilometers.
The hills and caves here provide an excellent place to conduct military activities smoothly. It is said that Iran has taken advantage of this geographical location and turned it into an impenetrable military base.
How is Missile City?
Iran has invested heavily in Qeshm Island in the last few decades. An independent defense structure has been set up here. Iran has built huge tunnels and bunkers under the hills of this island. Hundreds of missiles have been deployed in these tunnels. These are also called missile farms. From here Iran can easily launch its long and medium range missiles. These missiles can target any enemy ship present in the Persian Gulf.
Hundreds of missiles have been deployed in the tunnels of Qeshm Island. Photo: Getty Images
State-of-the-art radar systems have been installed on the island. These systems keep an eye on the activities of the entire area. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have a strong base here. Small fast boats operate from here, which are experts in guerrilla warfare. Anti-ship missiles are also deployed here and a large number of drones also. In this way it can be said that this island is now mainly functioning as a center of military activities. That is why it came to be known as Missile City.
Controversy about water plant and American attack
The water plant located on Qeshm Island is not just a civil facility. There is a huge need of water to run military bases. Without water, maintenance of thousands of soldiers and technical equipment is not possible. America has often kept these strategic targets of Iran on its radar. American intelligence agencies believe that military activities are conducted under the cover of these water plants. Whenever tension increases in the region, there are reports of cyber attacks or limited military action on these targets. America’s objective is to break Iran’s logistics supply. If water and electricity supply is disrupted, operation of the underground missile city becomes difficult.
The geographical situation is such that Iran can completely close the Strait of Hormuz from Qeshm Island. Photo: Getty Images
Why is this special for Iran?
For Iran, Qeshm Island is its first wall of security. There are not just one but many reasons why it is special.
- Control over Hormuz: If a war situation arises, Iran can completely close the Strait of Hormuz from Qeshm Island. This will stop the global oil supply and create an outcry across the world.
- Distance from enemy: This island is a little away from the mainland of Iran. With this, main cities can be saved from direct attack by the enemy.
- Power of resistance: Through Missile City, Iran gives a message to its enemies that attacking it will be very costly.
- Demonstration of indigenous technology: Most of the missiles and radar deployed here have been developed by Iran itself. This is a symbol of Iran being self-reliant.
on Qeshm Island Iran has also deployed anti-ship missiles. Photo: Getty Images
There are facilities but there are more challenges
Today, Qeshm Island is like a heap of powder. A small spark can turn into a big war. Iran is continuously increasing its strength here. At the same time, countries like America and Israel keep an eye on every movement here through satellites. Iran has also deployed anti-ship missiles here. These missiles fly very close to the sea surface, due to which radars cannot detect them easily. Apart from this, there is also a large stock of drones here.
Tourists also reach Qeshm Island. Photo: Getty Images
In this way it can be easily understood that Qeshm Island is no longer just a tourist destination or business centre. This has become the center point of Iran’s military strategy. Its identity as a missile city has put it on the map of global politics. For Iran, it is a symbol of its sovereignty and security. At the same time, this is a big challenge for western countries. In the coming times, the peace of the Persian Gulf will largely depend on the activities taking place on this island.
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