What is the Significance of Iwo Jima?

Iwo Jima, which means "Sulfur Island," was strategically important as an air base for fighter escorts supporting long-range bombing missions against mainland Japan.

In other take off the legs of a cheetah how will he catch his prey. If and when America took/take control of Iwo Jima we can provide a emergency landing strip for crippled B-29's returning from bombing runs. Also it would provide the ability to conduct intensive air bombardment and to destroy the enemy's air and naval capabilities.

To the Japanese leadership, the capture of Iwo Jima meant the battle for Okinawa, and the invasion of Japan itself, was not far off.