A plume of smoke rises after reported strikes, from Qeshm, Iran, July 30, 2026, in these screengrabs obtained from a social media video. Iranian state media said three people were killed in the strikes on the island. While Washington said the strikes were aimed at reducing threats to American troops and commercial shipping, the choice of Qeshm Island underscores its strategic importance in the escalating conflict. Also Read | West Asia War Live UpdatesWhy did the US attack Qeshm Island? According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted military command centres, drone facilities, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.