Overview
- CENTCOM said multiple deep-penetrator weapons struck hardened anti-ship cruise missile positions along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz that threatened international shipping.
- Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said the bombs were dropped into underground storage facilities holding coastal defense cruise missiles and associated support equipment.
- U.S. officials identified the munitions as consistent with the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator and said these strikes constituted the weapon’s combat debut.
- The actions fall under Operation Epic Fury, with leaders citing more than 7,000 targets hit as operations expand eastward to hunt drone units and maritime threats, while no public battle damage assessments were provided.
- Traffic through the strait remains disrupted and oil prices have climbed as U.S. appeals for allied escort and minesweeping support face reluctance.