United States military strikes Iranian missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz

On March 18, 2026, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a series of airstrikes against fortified Iranian missile facilities situated along the coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. Official statements confirmed the use of GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator precision-guided munitions, which weigh 5,000 pounds each. CENTCOM cited the threat posed by Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles to international maritime traffic as the primary justification for the operation. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, previously stated on March 16 that the U.S. would continue efforts to diminish Iran's capacity to threaten regional navigation. The GBU-72 bombs, which utilize GPS-guided navigation for all-weather accuracy, were reportedly deployed against deep-underground targets. While the U.S. military reported the operation as a successful degradation of Iranian capabilities, no specific casualty figures or damage assessment reports have been independently verified. This action follows ongoing tensions regarding freedom of navigation within the critical maritime chokepoint.