US Military Targets Iran’s Missile Facilities in the Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON: The US military announced on Saturday that its recent airstrikes have significantly weakened Iran’s ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway is crucial for global oil transportation, accounting for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
In response to Iran’s military activity in the Strait, the US deployed some of its most powerful bombs to target an underground facility located on Iran’s coast. This facility was reportedly used to store anti-ship cruise missiles and other military equipment.
Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated that multiple 5,000-pound bombs were dropped on the hardened facility, which also housed systems to monitor ship movements. He emphasized that not only was the main site destroyed, but also intelligence support stations and missile radar systems were taken out.
Cooper noted in a video message that the strikes have diminished Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating the US commitment to continue targeting such threats.
This military action comes amid rising oil prices, with the cost of North Sea Brent crude climbing over 50% in the last month, now exceeding $105 per barrel.
Former President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not taking stronger measures to secure the Strait and suggested that the US is nearing its military goals in the region. He mentioned the possibility of “winding down” military operations in the Middle East.
In the past three weeks alone, CENTCOM reported targeting over 8,000 military locations, including 130 Iranian vessels. The precision bombs used in these operations cost around $288,000 each, which is less than the 30,000-pound bombs deployed against Iranian nuclear sites last year.
The ongoing situation in the region remains tense as the US continues to navigate the complexities of its military and diplomatic strategies.
