The US military says it has shot down four Iranian "one-way attack drones" launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the drones "posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic".

US forces "subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island to defend against further attacks", US Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement.


US Central Command Says It Show Down Four Iranian Drones

In the latest exchange of fire, the United States has said it struck Iran’s military sites over the weekend.

In a statement, US Central Command said it struck Iranian radar as well as command-and-control sites for drones in Goruk, Iran, and on Qeshm Island.

US Strikes Iran's Radar Sites as Trump Toughens Demands

Spanning 1,491 square kilometres, Qeshm is the Persian Gulf's largest island. It is twice the size of Bahrain and 16 times larger than Kish. Its massive 135-kilometre length provides Iran with unparalleled strategic depth in the Strait of Hormuz.


Spanning 1,491 square kilometres, Qeshm is the Persian Gulf's largest island. It is twice the size of Bahrain and 16 times larger than Kish. Its massive 135-kilometre length provides Iran with unparalleled strategic depth in the Strait of Hormuz.

How big is Qeshm Island compared to other islands in the Persian Gulf?

Spanning 1,491 square kilometres, Qeshm Island is Iran's largest Persian Gulf landmass. Positioned on the Strait of Hormuz, it functions as a heavily armed IRGC fortress equipped with underground missiles to control global oil transit.

Spanning 1,491 square kilometres, Qeshm Island is Iran's largest Persian Gulf landmass. Positioned on the Strait of Hormuz, it functions as a heavily armed IRGC fortress equipped with underground missiles to control global oil transit.

What makes Qeshm Island the largest and one of the most strategic islands in Iran?

Qeshm Island is home to 150,000 people and serves as a strategic sentinel in the Strait of Hormuz. As Iran’s largest island, it blends military naval bases with a thriving free trade zone and unique UNESCO-protected landscapes.


Qeshm Island is home to 150,000 people and serves as a strategic sentinel in the Strait of Hormuz. As Iran’s largest island, it blends military naval bases with a thriving free trade zone and unique UNESCO-protected landscapes.

How many people live on Iran’s Qeshm Island?

A desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been rendered inoperable following an airstrike, Iranian media reported on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), amid escalating hostilities in the region.&nbsp;According to the ISNA news agency, the facility was “completely out of service” and could not be repaired in the short term. The report cited Health Ministry official Mohsen Farhadi but did not specify when the strike occurred.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tourist-place-or-secret-network-what-s-hidden-under-iran-s-qeshm-island-1774447540088">A tourist place or SECRET network - What's hidden under Iran's Qeshm Island?</a>&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier said that a strike targeted Qeshm on March 7, accusing the US of carrying out a “blatant and desperate crime” from its military base in Bahrain. Qeshm, the largest Iranian island in the Gulf, stretches roughly 100 km across the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. While the island has gained popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, known for its UNESCO-listed rock formations and clear waters, analysts note it is also heavily militarised.&nbsp;The reported strike is part of a broader pattern of attacks on desalination facilities since the conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Regional tensions have since intensified with retaliatory actions. Bahrain reported an Iranian strike on a facility on March 8, which appeared to be in response to the Qeshm attack a day earlier. Kuwait also said on Monday (March 30) that an Iranian strike hit a desalination and electricity plant, an allegation Tehran denied, instead blaming Israel.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-blood-will-run-why-iran-will-fight-to-defend-its-persian-gulf-islands-what-is-their-strategic-importance-1773311621673">'Blood will run..’: Why Iran will fight to defend its Persian Gulf islands, what is their strategic importance?</a>&nbsp;The targeting of desalination infrastructure has raised concerns across West Asia, one of the world’s driest regions, where such facilities are critical for water supply. Desalinated water accounts for a significant share of drinking water across the Gulf - including about 42 per cent in the United Arab Emirates, 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 86 per cent in Oman, and 90 per cent in Kuwait, according to a 2022 report by the French Institute of International Relations.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30) warned that Washington could escalate its campaign further, threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure, oil facilities and “possibly all desalination plants.”&nbsp;

An airstrike has disabled a key desalination plant on Iran's Qeshm Island, worsening water scarcity and regional tensions as President Trump threatens to further target Iran's critical infrastructure.

A desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been rendered inoperable following an airstrike, Iranian media reported on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), amid escalating hostilities in the region. According to the ISNA news agency, the facility was “completely out of service” and could not be repaired in the short term. The report cited Health Ministry official Mohsen Farhadi but did not specify when the strike occurred. Also read: A tourist place or SECRET network - What's hidden under Iran's Qeshm Island? Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier said that a strike targeted Qeshm on March 7, accusing the US of carrying out a “blatant and desperate crime” from its military base in Bahrain. Qeshm, the largest Iranian island in the Gulf, stretches roughly 100 km across the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. While the island has gained popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, known for its UNESCO-listed rock formations and clear waters, analysts note it is also heavily militarised. The reported strike is part of a broader pattern of attacks on desalination facilities since the conflict began on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Regional tensions have since intensified with retaliatory actions. Bahrain reported an Iranian strike on a facility on March 8, which appeared to be in response to the Qeshm attack a day earlier. Kuwait also said on Monday (March 30) that an Iranian strike hit a desalination and electricity plant, an allegation Tehran denied, instead blaming Israel.

An airstrike has disabled a key desalination plant on Iran's Qeshm Island, worsening water scarcity and regional tensions as President Trump threatens to further target Iran's critical infrastructure.

Airstrike knocks out key Iran desalination plant on Qeshm Island, makes it ‘completely out of service’

Beneath the quiet beauty of Qeshm Island, hidden under salt caves and mangrove forests, lies a powerful military network that is now drawing global attention. Once known as a tourist hotspot for its unique rock formations and natural wonders, Qeshm is now at the centre of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The island has transformed into a key military base for Iran as the war with the US and Israel continues.&nbsp;Qeshm’s location makes it extremely important. Sitting at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil passes, the island acts like a gatekeeper. With its large size, about 1,445 square kilometres, it can influence or even block ships moving through this crucial route.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-obliteration-to-iran-talks-in-72-hours-how-and-why-trump-suddenly-embraced-the-idea-of-talking-with-iran-1774357417687">From ‘obliteration’ to talks in 72 hours - How and why Trump suddenly embraced the idea of talking with Iran</a>&nbsp;Today, experts describe Qeshm as Iran’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier”. Beneath its surface are what Iran calls “underground missile cities” - secret tunnels and bases believed to house missiles, fast-attack boats, and coastal defence systems. These are designed to control or shut down the strait if needed.<h2>Can disrupt global oil supply</h2>According to military analysts, these underground networks give Iran the ability to disrupt global oil supply. This was seen recently when shipping traffic in the strait slowed sharply after Iran warned it could target passing vessels. Only a limited number of ships are now being allowed through, as countries try to secure safe passage for their oil tankers.&nbsp;The situation escalated further on March 7, when US airstrikes hit a desalination plant on Qeshm, cutting off freshwater to around 30 villages. Iran strongly condemned the attack, calling it a crime against civilians. Soon after, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory strikes on US forces in Bahrain.&nbsp;For the 148,000 people living on the island, daily life has become uncertain. Most residents depend on the sea for their livelihood and celebrate traditions like Nowruz Sayyadi, a fishing festival marking respect for the ocean. But now, they find themselves caught between natural beauty and military conflict.<h2>The History&nbsp;</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-did-trump-have-constructive-talks-with-us-president-says-it-s-iran-s-representative-but-not-mojataba-khamenei-1774278152556">Who did Trump have ‘constructive’ talks with? US president says it’s Iran’s 'representative’, but not Mojtaba Khamenei</a>&nbsp;Qeshm is not just important today - it has a long and rich history. Over centuries, it has been ruled and fought over by many empires. From ancient Greek explorers to Islamic geographers, the island has had many names and identities.&nbsp;In the past, it served as a vital water source for the Kingdom of Hormuz. Its wealth and strategic location attracted invaders, including Ottoman forces in the 16th century and Portuguese colonisers, who built a fort there in 1621. The island later saw battles involving Persian and British forces before finally returning fully to Iranian control in the 20th century.&nbsp;Despite the rising tensions, Qeshm still holds its natural charm. Landmarks like the Valley of Stars, shaped by erosion and local legends, the Namakdan Salt Cave, one of the longest in the world, and the dramatic Chahkooh Canyon remind visitors of its geological significance.

Qeshm Island has transformed from a tourist hotspot into a strategic "underground missile city." Its location in the Strait of Hormuz allows Iran to control global oil routes amid escalating conflict.

Beneath the quiet beauty of Qeshm Island, hidden under salt caves and mangrove forests, lies a powerful military network that is now drawing global attention. Once known as a tourist hotspot for its unique rock formations and natural wonders, Qeshm is now at the centre of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The island has transformed into a key military base for Iran as the war with the US and Israel continues. Qeshm’s location makes it extremely important. Sitting at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil passes, the island acts like a gatekeeper. With its large size, about 1,445 square kilometres, it can influence or even block ships moving through this crucial route. Also read: From ‘obliteration’ to talks in 72 hours - How and why Trump suddenly embraced the idea of talking with Iran Today, experts describe Qeshm as Iran’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier”. Beneath its surface are what Iran calls “underground missile cities” - secret tunnels and bases believed to house missiles, fast-attack boats, and coastal defence systems. These are designed to control or shut down the strait if needed. Can disrupt global oil supply According to military analysts, these underground networks give Iran the ability to disrupt global oil supply. This was seen recently when shipping traffic in the strait slowed sharply after Iran warned it could target passing vessels. Only a limited number of ships are now being allowed through, as countries try to secure safe passage for their oil tankers. The situation escalated further on March 7, when US airstrikes hit a desalination plant on Qeshm, cutting off freshwater to around 30 villages. Iran strongly condemned the attack, calling it a crime against civilians. Soon after, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory strikes on US forces in Bahrain. For the 148,000 people living on the island, daily life has become uncertain. Most residents depend on the sea for their livelihood and celebrate traditions like Nowruz Sayyadi, a fishing festival marking respect for the ocean. But now, they find themselves caught between natural beauty and military conflict. The History Also read: Who did Trump have ‘constructive’ talks with? US president says it’s Iran’s 'representative’, but not Mojtaba Khamenei Qeshm is not just important today - it has a long and rich history. Over centuries, it has been ruled and fought over by many empires. From ancient Greek explorers to Islamic geographers, the island has had many names and identities. In the past, it served as a vital water source for the Kingdom of Hormuz. Its wealth and strategic location attracted invaders, including Ottoman forces in the 16th century and Portuguese colonisers, who built a fort there in 1621. The island later saw battles involving Persian and British forces before finally returning fully to Iranian control in the 20th century. Despite the rising tensions, Qeshm still holds its natural charm. Landmarks like the Valley of Stars, shaped by erosion and local legends, the Namakdan Salt Cave, one of the longest in the world, and the dramatic Chahkooh Canyon remind visitors of its geological significance.

Qeshm Island has transformed from a tourist hotspot into a strategic "underground missile city." Its location in the Strait of Hormuz allows Iran to control global oil routes amid escalating conflict.

A tourist place or SECRET network - What's hidden under Iran's Qeshm Island?

Iran has accused the United States of bombing a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island during the ongoing conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the strike as a “blatant and desperate crime,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent by targeting civilian water infrastructure.

According to Iranian officials, the attack disrupted the water supply to around 30 villages, raising concerns about humanitarian impacts in the region.

US-Iran War: What If The Desalination Plants Started Becoming Targets?

Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker near the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Gulf, saying it was carrying 4 million liters of smuggled fuel, state media reports.

Iran Seizes Foreign Oil Tanker It Says Was Carrying Smuggled Fuel in the Gulf

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