In the first major action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US military reported hitting Iranian missile sites near the important waterway with some of its most powerful bombs. The United States Central Command announced firing multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator bombs at hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait.
US Bombs Iran Missile Sites with 5,000-Pound Deep Penetrator Weapons
“US forces successfully used multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz,” Central Command said.
“The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait.”
The bombing raid follows Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, in retaliation for the war on the country by the United States and Israel. This blockade has significantly disrupted maritime traffic and caused a global rise in energy prices.
US Allies Reject Trump’s Call
The US action came after most US allies, including NATO, turned down President Donald Trump’s requests for help in securing the Strait of Hormuz to ease the blockade on the region’s oil exports. Frustrated that he has been unable to gain support for his war in Iran, Trump insisted he was fighting for the good of the world, even if others do not recognize his efforts.
He expressed anger that the US is not receiving support “despite the fact that we helped” NATO “so much,” and stated it was in the allies’ interest to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
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