US hits Iran missile sites near Hormuz
Washington, March 18
US forces have carried out fresh strikes on Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz, targeting what military officials described as a direct threat to international shipping, as Operation Epic Fury intensifies.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes involved "multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions" against "hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran's coastline near the Strait of Hormuz." It added that "the Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait."
The latest action marks a significant escalation in the maritime dimension of the ongoing operation, with the strategic waterway emerging as a focal point of US military activity.
CENTCOM said, "US Navy aviators have flown hundreds of combat flights during Operation Epic Fury, demonstrating America's unmatched ability to generate air dominance from the sea."
According to an official fact sheet released a day earlier, since the campaign began on February 28, "at the direction of the President," tasked to "dismantle the Iranian regime's security apparatus, prioritizing locations that pose an imminent threat," more than 7,000 targets have been struck so far.
Over 100 Iranian vessels have been "damaged or destroyed," and US forces have conducted more than 6,500 combat flights.
The targets include a wide spectrum of military infrastructure. These range from "ballistic missile sites" and "anti-ship missile sites" to "IRGC headquarters buildings," "integrated air defence systems," and "military communication capabilities."
The operation has drawn on extensive US military assets across air, land, and sea. Prominent among them include B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, advanced fighter jets such as F-22 and F-35, surveillance aircraft, and attack drones. Naval deployments feature nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.
On land, systems such as Patriot and THAAD missile defences, rocket artillery, and counter-drone capabilities have been employed, highlighting the multi-domain nature of the campaign.
The focus on anti-ship missile sites reflects growing concern over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies. Any disruption in this corridor could have far-reaching implications for international trade and oil markets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The US is flexing its military muscle again. 7000+ targets is staggering. As an Indian, my main worry is the price of petrol and diesel. If this conflict disrupts shipping, our fuel bills will go through the roof. The government needs to have a solid backup plan for energy security.
Operation Epic Fury sounds like a Hollywood movie, but the real-world consequences are serious. India has good relations with both the US and Iran. This puts us in a tricky diplomatic position. We must advocate for de-escalation and protect the interests of Indian sailors and shipping in the region.
Reading this from an expat perspective in Mumbai. The sheer scale of military hardware listed—B-52s, F-35s, carriers—is mind-boggling. It shows a commitment to keep the sea lanes open, which is good for global trade. But I hope there's a clear endgame beyond just destroying targets.
The article mentions "dismantling the Iranian regime's security apparatus." This is a very ambitious and frankly, worrying goal. It sounds like regime change by another name. A destabilized Iran is bad news for the entire region, including our stability and projects like Chabahar port.
While the US action is targeted, we must not forget the human cost on the ground in Iran. Every "target" has people around it. India has always stood for peaceful resolution of conflicts. I respectfully think the Indian government's statement should emphasize protecting civilian lives more strongly.
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