On Friday night, June 21, U.S. B‑2 bombers struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities in an operation named “Operation Midnight Hammer.” The Pentagon has described the mission as a success, deploying 420,000 pounds of bunker-penetrating munitions and 30 Tomahawk missiles to cripple Iran’s nuclear development. In response, Iran has launched missiles at Israel, issued threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, and promised further retaliation.

As tensions escalate, thousands of additional U.S. troops are being staged in Guam and the broader Pacific region. While the Virgin Islands may seem distant from these developments, their strategic importance cannot be overlooked.

The Virgin Islands have a significant National Guard presence, one of the largest per capita in the U.S., with units that support missions abroad. The territory’s airports, Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen, frequently host military aircraft for refueling, logistics, and training. Additionally, the islands’ location on vital Caribbean shipping routes makes them a key waypoint in global logistics.

However, the Virgin Islands are not a forward military base like Guam or Diego Garcia, and there is limited capacity for offensive military operations from the territory. Despite this, the islands are part of a broader U.S. network vulnerable to asymmetric threats such as cyberattacks, shipping disruptions, and targeting of soft infrastructure.

Potential risks to the Virgin Islands include:

• Cyber vulnerabilities: Iranian cyber units could target U.S. systems, and the Virgin Islands’ power grid, telecommunications, and government systems may face spillover attacks.
• Supply chain disruptions: Any choke point in global shipping or oil production could lead to rising fuel prices, higher freight costs, and delayed goods for the territory.
• Escalation: If the conflict expands, the Virgin Islands could be called upon for support, involving the National Guard and local resources.

While there are no U.S. offensive weapons systems based in the Virgin Islands, and no credible intelligence suggests the territory is a direct target or involved in current military actions, the need for vigilance remains. The Virgin Islands must stay alert and prepared—not fearful, but informed.