The U.S. military executed a targeted strike against Iranian anti-ship missile installations near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, utilizing advanced 5,000-pound bunker buster munitions. This action reflects heightened tensions with Iran as it seeks to control a crucial oil passage.
According to U.S. Central Command, multiple deep penetrator munitions were successfully deployed against these hardened missile sites along the Iranian coastline. The presence of these anti-ship missiles in the region posed a significant threat to international shipping operations.
These strikes occurred amidst a sharp decline in tanker traffic through this vital waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Commercial vessels have been increasingly targeted, resulting in rising crude prices and fears of economic repercussions.
The munitions used, known as bunker busters, are specifically engineered to penetrate deep into fortified targets before detonating. The GBU-72 variant was notably tested by the Air Force in 2021.
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
Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt energy shipments through the strait, warning it would not allow any oil bound for the U.S. and its allies to pass. U.S. officials have made it clear that such threats are unacceptable, especially given the current climate of escalating military actions.
Former President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to increase their efforts in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. He believes those who benefit the most from the passage should be more proactive in its defense. However, he also conveyed the U.S. is ready to act independently if necessary.
Trump remarked, “I think NATO’s making a very foolish mistake,” when discussing allied support in safeguarding oil tankers navigating the strait, suggesting skepticism about their commitment. “This was a great test because we don’t need them, but they should have been there,” he added.
The recent bunker buster attacks are part of a broader U.S. strategy to undermine Iran’s capacity to threaten maritime security. Additional strikes on military installations, including those on Kharg Island, have been conducted to target Iran’s coastal defense capabilities while preserving its oil-related infrastructure.
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