18.03.2026 10:14
The United States struck Iran's fortified missile launchers located on the coastline near the Strait of Hormuz with 2.2-ton bunker-busting bombs after failing to find allied support.
The U.S. has carried out a notable military operation following the increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon announced that coastal missile facilities, which were said to threaten Iran's maritime traffic, were struck with "bunker-busting" bombs.
WITH NO COALITION, THE U.S. ACTED ALONE
The Washington administration sought support from its allies to break the Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz but did not receive the expected response from European and Asian countries. After the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan did not join the coalition, the U.S. conducted the military operation alone.
The Pentagon announced that the operation was carried out a few hours ago and that the targets were destroyed with pinpoint accuracy.
2.2 TON BUNKER-BUSTING BOMB USED
The size of the munitions used in the operation drew attention. U.S. fighter jets targeted the fortified anti-ship missile facilities located along Iran's coastline with approximately 2.2 tons (5,000 pounds) of bunker-busting bombs.
The Pentagon's statement emphasized that the anti-ship cruise missiles located at these facilities posed a serious threat to international maritime trade.
THE U.S. AIMS TO CHANGE THE BALANCE ON THE GROUND
The Strait of Hormuz stands out as a critical transit point for global oil and trade flow. It is assessed that the U.S. aims to weaken Iran's military capacity in the region and secure civilian maritime traffic through the operation.
Experts point out that after Washington's failure to form a coalition, it has aimed to change the balance on the ground by directly using military force.