U.S. Military Strikes Iranian Missile Sites Near Strait of Hormuz

On March 17, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a significant strike against Iranian missile installations along the coastline near the Strait of Hormuz, employing multiple 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs known as GBU-72 Advanced Penetrators. This operation was conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in response to the perceived threat posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international shipping in this critical maritime corridor, which facilitates approximately 20% of the world's oil supply.

CNBC TV18Stars and StripesUS strikes Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz with 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombsIran-US War Latest News: What Are ‘Bunker Buster’ Bombs? US Uses 5,000-Pound ‘Deep Penetrator Munitions’ to Target Iranian Sites Near Strait of HormuzUS bombs Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz as it attempts to reopen vital waterway for shippingNew York Post

The strikes were part of a broader military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, initiated on February 28, 2026, following escalating tensions and Iranian military actions that included attacks on vessels in the strait. CENTCOM reported that the Iranian missile sites targeted were considered hardened installations, designed to withstand conventional attacks, thus necessitating the use of specialized deep-penetrator munitions.

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The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly since the onset of military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Following these actions, Iran's military has threatened to close the strait, effectively blocking maritime traffic and contributing to a surge in global oil prices, which have risen above $100 per barrel. The Iranian regime has utilized various tactics, including deploying drones and laying naval mines, to assert control over the waterway.

New Tang DynastyUS strikes Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz with 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombsFox News (website)OnmanoramaUS bombs Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz as it attempts to reopen vital waterway for shippingUS military says hit Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz with '5,000-pound bunker buster' bombs

CENTCOM emphasized that the Iranian missile systems posed a direct risk to international shipping, stating, "The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait." President Donald Trump has publicly criticized NATO allies for their reluctance to assist in securing the strait, labeling their inaction as a "foolish mistake." He expressed frustration over the lack of support, stating, "Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help."

US bombs Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz as it attempts to reopen vital waterway for shipping

Despite the U.S. military's actions, there has been notable criticism regarding the approach taken by the Trump administration. Some analysts and political figures have raised concerns about the potential for escalating conflict and the implications of unilateral military action without broader international support. Additionally, Trump's call for NATO allies to contribute to the security of the Strait of Hormuz has largely gone unheeded, leading to questions about the reliability of these alliances.

New Tang Dynasty

While CENTCOM reported successful strikes on Iranian missile sites, there is a lack of immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the impact of these operations. Furthermore, discrepancies exist in the reporting of the number of vessels affected by the conflict, with various sources indicating different figures for attacks on shipping in the region since the war began.

US strikes Iranian missile sites near Strait of Hormuz with “deep penetrator” bombs

The U.S. military's ongoing operations aim to diminish Iran's capacity to threaten maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains watchful of the developments in this strategically vital region, with potential implications for global energy markets and geopolitical stability.

US strikes Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz with 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs

• “the Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait.” — U.S. Central Command

US bombs Iranian missile sites along Strait of Hormuz as it attempts to reopen vital waterway for shipping

• “I think NATO's making a very foolish mistake,” — President Donald Trump

Fox News (website)

• “Everyone agrees with us, but they don’t want to help.” — President Donald Trump

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