Iwo Jima was strategically important : it provided an air base for Japanese fighter planes to intercept long - range B - 29 Superfortress bombers .
Iwo Jima provided a haven for Japanese naval units in dire need of any support available .
Iwo Jima was strategically important : it provided an air base for Japanese fighter planes to intercept long - range B - 29 Superfortress bombers , and it provided a haven for Japanese naval units in dire need of any support available .