The United States carried out a large-scale attack on Iran’s underground missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, using high-penetration bombs capable of striking fortified structures.
The offensive comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which are already directly impacting maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.
According to U.S. Central Command, the targeted sites housed anti-ship cruise missiles considered a direct threat to international navigation. The military action aimed to neutralize these capabilities and reduce risks for vessels crossing one of the world’s most important energy routes.
The munitions used were GBU-72 types, designed to destroy deeply buried and hardened targets. This type of weapon is used by fighter jets and bombers and was specifically developed for warfare scenarios involving highly protected military structures.
The strike comes as the Strait of Hormuz faces a blockade imposed by Iran, involving mines, drones, and ships, significantly affecting global energy flows and pushing up oil prices. Amid the crisis, the U.S. government has also intensified criticism of European allies for not supporting efforts to reopen the 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
