02.04.2026 16:33
Iran has transformed the islands around the Strait of Hormuz into military bases, establishing a control network to monitor ship passages, redirecting tanker routes to its own corridors, and effectively taking on the role of a "gatekeeper," thereby gaining strategic superiority over global energy traffic.
The war, which escalated with the attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, has made the Strait of Hormuz one of the most critical fronts. The military structure established by Iran on the islands around the strait plays a decisive role in global energy traffic.
According to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal, Iran has created a strategic control network by equipping the small islands around the Strait of Hormuz with military bases over the years. This situation also complicates the reopening of the strait, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil trade passes.
CRISIS IN THE STRAIT DEEPENS
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz was one of the most important transit points in the global economy, and with Iran increasing its control, tanker passages have largely come to a standstill. The Tehran administration has begun to direct maritime traffic by strengthening its dominance in the region.
ISLANDS TURNED INTO “FLOATING AIRCRAFT CARRIERS”
According to WSJ, Iran has turned approximately 19 islands, including Hark, Qeshm, and Abu Musa, into military bases. Radar systems, airstrips, missile batteries, and naval elements have been deployed on these islands. With this structure, Iran has gained effectiveness at critical points controlling the narrow passageways in the strait.
US AND ISRAEL TARGETED
In the early stages of the war, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes to weaken Iran's military capacity. One of the targets of these attacks was Hark Island, where a large portion of Iran's oil exports is made. However, despite the attacks, it was reported that energy facilities largely remained intact and tanker loadings continued. In the following process, points directly providing control of the strait, such as Larak Island and the Qeshm line, came to the forefront.
IRAN IN THE “GATEKEEPER” POSITION
According to analysts, Iran has begun to demand passage fees from some tankers by establishing a system that monitors ships passing through the strait. Maritime data also shows that ship routes have changed and that the narrow corridors under Iranian control have started to be used. These developments have led to comments that Iran has effectively taken on the role of a “gatekeeper” in the Strait of Hormuz. It is stated that the foundations of Iran's dominance in the region were laid in 1971 when it deployed troops to Abu Musa and Tunb islands, and that it has gradually strengthened its control since that date.
THE FUTURE OF HORMUZ IS UNCERTAIN
According to the WSJ analysis, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will be one of the most critical stages of the war. However, it is assessed that this could only be possible through a diplomatic agreement or a military operation. The deployment of amphibious forces by the US to the region indicates that the control of some islands may come onto the agenda.