18 March,2026 02:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. File Pic/AFP
The United States of America said that it dropped 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on Iranian missile sites near Strait of Hormuz.
According to US Central Command, the latest attacks involved "multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions" aimed at "hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran's coastline near the Strait of Hormuz."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a key focus of US military operations amid rising concerns over maritime security and the protection of global energy supplies.
CENTCOM said the Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles stationed there posed a serious risk to international shipping.
The action is part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure deemed to threaten global trade routes.
US forces carried out the fresh strikes on Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz, targeting sites officials described as a direct threat to international shipping, as Operation Epic Fury escalates.
CENTCOM noted that US Navy aviators have flown hundreds of combat sorties during Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating "America's unmatched ability to generate air dominance from the sea."
Since the operation began on February 28, over 7,000 targets have been struck, including ballistic missile sites, anti-ship missile sites, IRGC headquarters, integrated air defence systems, and military communications facilities, reported the IANS.
More than 100 Iranian vessels have been reported damaged or destroyed, while US forces have conducted over 6,500 combat flights.
According to the IANS, the operation uses a wide array of US military assets across air, land, and sea -
- Air: B-1, B-2, B-52 bombers; F-22 and F-35 fighter jets; surveillance aircraft; attack drones
- Naval: Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, guided-missile destroyers
- Land: Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems, rocket artillery, counter-drone systems
This multi-domain deployment highlights the strategic importance of the campaign.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Any disruption in the waterway could have serious implications for international trade and oil markets.
The recent US strikes underscore rising tensions in the region and the focus on neutralising threats from Iranian missile capabilities to ensure the safety of shipping in the strait.
(with IANS inputs)
