The United States has carried out fresh strikes on Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz coastline, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to the United States Central Command (Centcom), the operation—dubbed Operation Epic Fury—targeted fortified missile infrastructure seen as a direct threat to global shipping routes.
"Hours ago, US forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz," Centcom posted on X.
"The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait," the statement added.
Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the… pic.twitter.com/hgCSFH0cqO
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2026
Fears of prolonged conflict
The strikes come amid growing concerns that the battle for control around Hormuz could drag the war out significantly. Sources told The Jerusalem Post that operations in the region may stretch the conflict for an extended period.
“This could extend the war by as much as two months,” one source familiar with the discussions said.
Meanwhile, tensions are already being felt across global trade routes. With Iran warning it could target vessels, many ships are now avoiding the strait altogether.
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This narrow passage is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling roughly 20% of global oil supply. Satellite imagery from the Persian Gulf shows vessels waiting outside the corridor rather than risking transit.
US weighs next moves
Within the administration of Donald Trump, securing safe navigation through Hormuz is fast becoming a central war objective. Officials are reportedly even considering a potential ground operation on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil hub in the middle of the strait.
To reinforce its presence, the US military has announced the deployment of 5,000 Marines to the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed coordination with Washington following a call with Trump.
“There is coordination between our air forces and navies. We will assist both through indirect actions that place immense pressure on the Iranian regime and through direct operations. There are many more surprises ahead.”
However, an Israeli source indicated that for now, assistance remains limited to intelligence-sharing. “But that can always change,” the official added.
