Washington/Tehran: In a major escalation of tensions in the Gulf, the United States on Tuesday confirmed it carried out precision strikes on Iranian missile installations near the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, deploying powerful bunker-buster bombs designed to destroy deeply fortified targets.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces used multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions against hardened missile sites positioned along Iran’s coastline. These installations reportedly housed anti-ship cruise missiles capable of targeting vessels transiting one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
According to U.S. officials, the operation was aimed at neutralising an immediate threat to international maritime traffic. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply passes, remains a critical artery for global energy markets.
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
Rising Tensions in the Gulf
The strikes come amid growing fears that Iran may attempt to disrupt shipping in the region. Reports indicate Tehran had taken steps toward potentially blocking the strait — a move widely interpreted as retaliation against ongoing military pressure from the United States and Israel.
The situation has been further inflamed following the killing of senior Iranian figure Ali Larijani in a recent Israeli airstrike, an incident that has intensified anti-US and anti-Israel rhetoric within Iran’s leadership.
US says it has pounded Iranian missile sites near the key Strait of Hormuz.
Iran fired missiles Wednesday around the region, vowing to avenge the killing of its powerful security chief
https://t.co/WAlpO10uUO pic.twitter.com/rhJNJMx2j4
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 18, 2026
Iran Warns of “Decisive” Response
Reacting sharply, Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami warned that Tehran would deliver a “decisive and deterrent” response.
In a strongly worded statement, Hatami said that retaliation would come “at the appropriate time and place,” vowing that the deaths of Larijani and other senior figures would be avenged. He accused the United States and what he termed the “Zionist regime” of orchestrating aggression in the region.
BREAKING 🚨
🇺🇸 🇮🇱 Big success for US and Israeli forces
An Iranian underground missile storage facility near the Strait of Hormuz was successfully targeted and destroyed using bunker buster bombs.Over 200 Khorramshahr ballistic missiles stored there have been reduced to dust pic.twitter.com/fqxVvI1C0o
— FalconUpdatesHQ (@FalconUpdatesHQ) March 18, 2026
Global Concerns Mount
The developments have raised alarm across global markets and diplomatic circles, as any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sharp spikes in oil prices and destabilise international trade flows.
Security analysts warn that the latest U.S. strikes signal a dangerous new phase in the Middle East conflict, with the risk of broader regional confrontation increasing by the day.
As both Washington and Tehran adopt hardened positions, the world watches closely for signs of either escalation or de-escalation in one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.
