The Battle of Iwo Jima was a major conflict during World War II, fought between February 19 and March 26, 1945. It involved the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army. The battle aimed to capture the small volcanic island, which was strategically important for the U.S. to launch air attacks on Japan. The battle is famous for the intense fighting and the iconic photograph of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi. Ultimately, the U.S. forces secured the island, but at a high cost, with significant casualties on both sides, highlighting the fierce resistance of the Japanese defenders.