Hormuz on edge: US unleashes 5,000-pound bunker-buster strikes on Iran missile sites along oil route

US forces have conducted fresh strikes on Iranian missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, using heavy bunker-buster bombs to hit what they said were immediate threats to ships passing through the route.

The move brings the conflict closer to one of the world’s busiest oil corridors, with the focus now shifting sharply to the sea.

Advertisement

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes involved “multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions” and targeted “hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz”. These locations, it said, housed anti-ship cruise missiles that could endanger commercial vessels moving through the strait.

The strikes are part of Operation Epic Fury, which has been underway since February 28. US officials say the campaign is aimed at dismantling key parts of Iran’s military network, especially those seen as posing urgent risks.

“US Navy aviators have flown hundreds of combat flights during Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating America’s unmatched ability to generate air dominance from the sea,” CENTCOM said.

Since the operation began, more than 7,000 targets have been hit, according to an official update released earlier. These include missile launch sites, air defence systems, and facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

CENTCOM added that US Navy pilots have flown hundreds of combat missions so far, maintaining sustained pressure from sea-based platforms.

The campaign has involved a wide mix of military assets – long-range bombers such as B-1, B-2 and B-52 aircraft, advanced fighter jets including F-22 and F-35, along with drones and surveillance aircraft. Warships – from massive aircraft carriers to stealth submarines- have been pushed into the region. On land, air defence shields like Patriot and THAAD are now on standby, tracking and knocking down incoming missiles.

Regional tensions spill over

The impact is being felt beyond the immediate conflict zone.

In Israel, two people were killed after a ballistic missile struck Ramat Gan, emergency responders said. Another person was injured in nearby Beni Brak.

Across the Gulf, several countries reported incoming threats. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran. Authorities asked residents to stay indoors and follow official advisories.

Similar alerts were issued in Bahrain and Kuwait, where sirens sounded and people were told to move to safe locations. In Dubai, officials said the loud blasts heard across parts of the city were from air defence systems knocking down incoming threats.

There were also reports of intense Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, raising fresh fears that the conflict could widen further.