US Intensifies ‘Operation Epic Fury’ with Strikes on Iranian Missile Sites Near Strait of Hormuz

Washington, March 2026 : The United States has launched fresh military strikes on Iranian missile installations along the Strait of Hormuz, escalating its ongoing campaign, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” amid rising concerns over threats to international shipping and global energy routes.

According to the US Central Command, the latest strikes targeted hardened Iranian coastal missile sites using “multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions.” Military officials stated that these locations housed anti-ship cruise missiles that posed a direct risk to vessels navigating the vital maritime corridor.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, has increasingly become a focal point of US military operations. Any disruption in this narrow passage could significantly impact global trade and energy supplies, heightening the strategic importance of the ongoing campaign.

CENTCOM emphasised that US Navy aviators have carried out hundreds of combat sorties during the operation, showcasing the country’s ability to project air power from the sea. The strikes mark a notable escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict, as the US seeks to neutralise threats to international shipping lanes.

An official fact sheet released earlier revealed the scale of the operation since its launch on February 28, under the direction of President Donald Trump. The mission aims to dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure, particularly assets considered to pose imminent threats.

According to the data, more than 7,000 targets have been struck so far, with over 100 Iranian vessels reportedly damaged or destroyed. Additionally, US forces have conducted upwards of 6,500 combat flights, underscoring the intensity and breadth of the campaign.

The targets span a wide range of military infrastructure, including ballistic missile facilities, anti-ship missile systems, headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), integrated air defence networks, and key communication systems.

The operation has mobilised extensive US military assets across multiple domains. Strategic bombers such as the B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancer, and B-52 Stratofortress have been deployed alongside advanced fighter jets including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Surveillance aircraft and armed drones have also played a crucial role in targeting and reconnaissance.

Naval forces, including nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and guided-missile destroyers, have been central to the operation, reinforcing US dominance in the region’s waters. On land, advanced defence systems such as Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors, along with rocket artillery and counter-drone technologies, have been utilised.

The focus on neutralising anti-ship missile capabilities highlights growing US concerns over maritime security in the region. With tensions continuing to rise, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of geopolitical and military calculations, given its critical role in sustaining global energy flows and international commerce.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)