The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the successful deployment of multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetration munitions against fortified Iranian missile sites along Iran's coastline, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This action is part of the operation known as Epic Fury.
“Just hours ago, U.S. forces effectively utilized several 5,000-pound deep-penetration bombs against reinforced Iranian missile positions along the Iranian coast, near the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM announced on its official X account. The post quickly garnered over 2.5 million views.
The munitions in question are GBU-72/B, also referred to as the Advanced 5K Penetrator. These precision-guided bombs, weighing 2,300 kilograms, are equipped with GPS/INS guidance systems, specifically designed to demolish bunkers and deeply buried targets. They fill a niche capability between the standard 2,000-pound bombs and the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator, and can be deployed from aircraft like the B-1B and F-15E.
This strike represents the first confirmed use of such penetrating munitions against Iranian anti-ship missile arsenals in the region. Iran has stationed missiles such as the Noor, a derivative of the Chinese C-802 with a range of up to 300 kilometers, and the Khalij Fars, a ballistic anti-ship missile with a similar range and a 450-kilogram warhead, in fortified and subterranean facilities along this coast.
The Scope and Impact of Operation Epic Fury
Operation Epic Fury, launched jointly by the United States and Israel on February 28 at 1:15 AM, targeted over 1,000 Iranian sites within the first 24 hours. By March 16, the operation had struck more than 5,000 targets and accounted for over 6,000 combat sorties.
Among the confirmed Iranian casualties are Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Chief of Staff Abdorrahim Musavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, Basij militia commander Gholamreza Soleimani, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpur.
In response, Iran partially blocked the Strait of Hormuz, reducing maritime traffic from 153 transits daily to between just 4 and 13, causing Brent crude oil prices to soar above $120 per barrel. Iranian drones and missiles have damaged at least 8 to 11 merchant vessels since March 2.
Further Military Actions and Economic Implications
On March 10, CENTCOM eliminated 16 Iranian minelayer vessels in the region, and on March 14, it bombed Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.
President Donald Trump declared that the United States "requires no assistance," following NATO, Japan, Australia, and South Korea's refusal to join joint escort missions in the strait, and stated his unwillingness to halt the attacks.
Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan analysts cautioned that Middle Eastern oil producers could only endure a complete closure of the strait, through which 20% of the world's oil passes, for 25 days.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf issued a statement reflecting Tehran's stance: the Strait of Hormuz “will not return to its pre-war state.”
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S. Military Actions in the Strait of Hormuz
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage that facilitates the transit of approximately 20% of the world's petroleum, making it a strategic point of global economic interest.
Why did the U.S. target Iranian missile sites?
The U.S. targeted these sites to neutralize a threat posed by Iranian anti-ship missiles, which endangered international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
What are the GBU-72/B munitions?
The GBU-72/B, also known as the Advanced 5K Penetrator, is a precision-guided bomb designed to destroy hardened and deeply buried targets, such as bunkers.