The US military on March 17 announced that it had conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian missile positions near the Strait of Hormuz, using bunker-piercing bombs weighing up to 2,760kg - one of the most powerful weapons in its existing arsenal.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the targets hit were reinforced missile facilities along the Iranian coast, where anti-ship cruise missiles capable of directly threatening international ships passing through this strategic maritime route are deployed.
US forces have successfully used many types of 2,760kg deep-penetrating missiles against solid targets," CENTCOM said, emphasizing that Iranian missile systems "pose a serious risk to international transportation operations.
The airstrike took place immediately after Iran announced the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - a route transporting about 1/5 of global oil. This is seen as a direct retaliatory move against the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The US attack on missile positions here shows that Washington is shifting from a defensive posture to actively destroying Tehran's sea control capabilities. If anti-ship missile systems are neutralized, Iran's ability to maintain the blockade will be significantly reduced.
However, the risk of escalating conflict has also skyrocketed. Hormuz is not only a oil pipeline, but also the lifeline of the entire world energy market. Any prolonged disruption could push oil prices to a shock and cause a global supply chain crisis.
The bomb used by the US has the ability to penetrate deep into reinforced concrete structures before exploding, suitable for destroying missile bunkers or underground weapons depots.
Each bomb is estimated to cost about 288,000 USD, according to military data released earlier. However, this is still not the most powerful weapon the US has ever deployed. Previously, Washington used a bomb weighing up to 13,600kg to attack Iranian nuclear facilities - a type with superior destructive power.
In parallel with US airstrikes, war between Iran and Israel is also escalating fiercely. In the area near Tel Aviv, at least 2 people died in a series of missiles launched by Iran, according to rescue forces Magen David Adom.
The attack occurred in Ramat Gan, bringing the total death toll in Israel to 14 since airstrikes between the two sides broke out.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to carry out large-scale airstrikes targeting targets in Iran and Lebanon, causing conflict to spread across many fronts.
The US direct attack on Iranian military targets in Hormuz marks a serious escalation, which could lead to stronger reactions from Tehran, including retaliatory attacks on US warships or military facilities in the region.
Observers warn that if Hormuz continues to be blockaded or becomes a battlefield, the world could face its biggest oil and gas shock in years - even exceeding previous crises.
