Iran's Revolutionary Guards have positioned new missile systems on three strategic islands in the Gulf, according to state media reports on Saturday. The weapons were installed on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa - islands located near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

These missile systems can reportedly "completely destroy any target within 600 kilometres (370 miles)," according to Alireza Tangsiri, naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Tangsiri told state television that Iran is "capable of attacking enemy bases, vessels, and assets in the region."

The military buildup comes as Iran prepares to respond to a letter from US President Donald Trump. The letter reportedly urges Iran to resume nuclear talks while warning of possible military action if Tehran refuses to engage in negotiations.

This development occurs amid broader global defense realignments. Several nations are reassessing their strategic partnerships following recent US foreign policy changes. Trump's approach has prompted countries to seek greater military self-reliance and explore new defense relationships outside their traditional alliances.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded firmly on Friday, stating that US threats against Iran "will get them nowhere." He added a warning that "if they do anything malign to the Iranian nation, they will get a hard slap."

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Trump's letter as "more of a threat" but noted it appeared to offer opportunities. Araghchi mentioned that Tehran would respond "in the coming days" to the communication from Washington.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff attempted to reduce tensions by clarifying that Trump's letter was not meant as a threat. In remarks broadcast Friday, Witkoff explained that the president was trying to prevent armed conflict by building trust with Tehran.

The three Gulf islands have been under Iranian control since 1971, though their sovereignty remains disputed by the United Arab Emirates. This new weapons deployment follows Tangsiri's September statement that Iran was "expanding" its defense capabilities on the islands.