U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on March 18, 2026, that American forces successfully deployed multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetrator munitions against hardened Iranian missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz. The precision strikes targeted a network of reinforced coastal bunkers that housed Iran's anti-ship cruise missile batteries, marking a dramatic escalation in Operation Epic Fury.
Military officials described the operation as a "surgical necessity" to neutralize persistent threats to global energy corridors and international shipping through the strategic waterway, according to CENTCOM statements.
The strikes featured the combat debut of the GBU-72/B Advanced 5,000-pound Penetrator, defense officials confirmed to news outlets, though CENTCOM did not officially name the munition in its initial statement.
Advanced Weaponry Marks Combat Debut
The GBU-72/B represents a significant advancement over legacy weapons systems used in previous operations. Unlike the older laser-guided GBU-28, the new munition utilizes an advanced GPS/INS guidance tail kit that allows for high-altitude releases in any weather condition.
This capability proved crucial for operations in the dust-heavy environments of the Iranian coastline, military sources indicated. The munition is specifically designed to burrow through dozens of feet of reinforced concrete or earth before detonating.
The weapon's "delayed fuse" technology was specifically chosen to collapse subterranean hangars where Iran stores its Noor and Ghadir anti-ship missiles, according to defense officials familiar with the operation.
Multiple Aircraft Platforms Support Strike Mission
Reports indicate that F-15E Strike Eagles and B-1B Lancers carried out the primary sorties, supported by a massive electronic warfare screen from EA-18G Growlers. While several aircraft platforms are certified to deploy the GBU-72, these specific aircraft were selected for their payload capacity and operational range.
The coordinated air operation involved multiple squadrons working in concert to penetrate Iranian air defenses and deliver the precision munitions to their targets along the strategically vital coastline.
Iranian Coastal Defense Network Targeted
The strikes did not target isolated missile launchers but rather the command and control infrastructure of Iran's coastal defense system. Over the past year, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had reportedly encased its coastal batteries in "Taleghan-style" concrete shells covered by soil.
This hardening effort was designed to protect the installations from standard 1,000-pound or 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) commonly used in previous operations. The enhanced fortifications necessitated the deployment of the more powerful penetrator weapons.
CENTCOM stated that the neutralized sites "posed a direct and imminent risk" to commercial tankers and U.S. naval assets operating in the region.
Strategic Waterway Remains Under Threat
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil passes daily, has been effectively paralyzed by threats from Iranian coastal missile batteries. The waterway's narrow geography makes it particularly vulnerable to anti-ship weapons positioned along Iran's coastline.
The March 18 strikes complement earlier operations conducted on March 15 against Kharg Island, where U.S. forces destroyed naval mine storage facilities. Together, these actions represent what military analysts describe as a systematic "clearing of the lanes" for future international maritime transit.
The coordinated campaign aims to restore normal shipping operations through one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.
International Alliance Shows Strain
The latest strikes occurred amid growing tensions between Washington and traditional allies regarding the scope and scale of the 19-day military campaign. Just hours before the March 18 operation, President Donald J. Trump expressed "disappointment" that several NATO allies had declined to participate in proposed joint operations.
Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea specifically declined to join a proposed joint escort mission for commercial shipping, according to administration sources.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump asserted that the United States is "the most powerful country anywhere in the world and we do not need the help of anyone" to restore navigation through the strategic waterway.
Global Energy Markets React to Escalation
International oil prices remained volatile following news of the expanded military operations. J.P. Morgan analysts warned that regional producers can sustain current output levels for "no more than 25 days" if the Strait of Hormuz remains designated as a high-intensity combat zone.
The continued uncertainty has prompted energy companies to explore alternative shipping routes, though none offer the efficiency and capacity of the traditional Persian Gulf transit lanes.
Commodity traders expressed concern that prolonged military operations could disrupt global energy supplies during peak demand periods.
Military Officials Emphasize Operational Success
"The Iranian regime thought their bunkers were impenetrable," a CENTCOM spokesperson stated following the operation. "A few hours ago, we proved that there is no depth we cannot reach and no threat we cannot eliminate."
The successful deployment of the new penetrator munitions demonstrates American capability to neutralize hardened targets that were previously considered secure from conventional air strikes.
Military planners indicated that the proven effectiveness of the GBU-72/B system provides commanders with enhanced options for addressing similar fortified positions in future operations.
The ongoing Operation Epic Fury continues as U.S. forces work to establish secure maritime corridors through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with additional operations expected in coming days.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of U.S. Central Command