The United States conducted a large-scale attack on Iran’s underground missile installations near the Strait of Hormuz, using highly penetrating bombs capable of hitting fortified structures.
The offensive comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which is already directly affecting maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.
According to the US Central Command, the affected sites hosted anti-ship cruise missiles considered a direct threat to international shipping. The military action was aimed at neutralizing these capabilities and reducing the risks for vessels crossing one of the most important energy routes in the world.
The ammunition used was of the type GBU-72designed to destroy deeply buried and highly protected targets. This type of armament is used by fighters and bombers and was developed specifically for war scenarios involving heavily defended military facilities.
The attack comes as the Strait of Hormuz is under an Iranian-imposed blockade, using mines, drones and ships, significantly affecting global energy flows and driving up oil prices. Amid the crisis, the US government has also stepped up criticism of European allies for not supporting efforts to reopen this strategic route.
Source: New York Post | Photo: X @AFGlobalStrike | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the… pic.twitter.com/hgCSFH0cqO
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2026
