The United States has taken a major military step in the ongoing war with Iran by using powerful “bunker buster” bombs to strike targets near the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces used multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions to hit hardened Iranian missile sites along the country’s coastline. These strikes aim to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten global shipping routes in the region.
Iran-US War Latest News: What are Bunker Buster Bombs?
Bunker buster bombs are specially designed weapons used to destroy targets that are buried deep underground or protected by strong concrete structures.
Unlike regular bombs, these weapons penetrate the surface before exploding, making them effective against underground bunkers, missile storage sites, and nuclear facilities.
One such advanced weapon is the GBU-72/B, which was tested by the US Air Force in 2021. It is considered a high-impact weapon with a powerful warhead designed to destroy heavily fortified targets.
Military experts say these bombs are crucial in modern warfare when enemies hide critical infrastructure beneath the ground.
Why did the US use Bunker Busters in Hormuz?
CENTCOM explained that the targeted Iranian missile systems posed a direct threat to international shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Since the war began, Iranian forces have tightened control over the area, creating what analysts describe as a “chokehold” on global maritime traffic.
As a result, many ships have avoided the route due to security concerns, leading to disruptions in global oil supply and a sharp rise in energy prices.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and handles a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments.
Any disruption in this region has immediate global consequences. The US move to target Iranian defences signals an attempt to restore safe passage for commercial shipping.
Before these strikes, President Donald Trump had called on allied nations to support efforts to secure the waterway.
Iran-US War Latest News: Allies refuse to join the US Operation
Despite Washington’s appeal, several NATO allies, including the United Kingdom and Spain, declined to participate in the operation.
Trump expressed frustration over the lack of support.
“You would have thought they would have said, We’d love to send a couple of minesweepers.’ That’s not a big deal. It doesn’t cost very much money. But they didn’t do that,” Trump had said.
He later added, “We don’t need any help, actually.”
Iran-US War Latest News: Previous use of Bunker Busters against Iran
This is not the first time the US has used bunker buster bombs in the ongoing conflict. In June 2025, during Operation Midnight Hammer, US forces used similar weapons to strike key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
These operations highlight a consistent strategy of targeting Iran’s underground and heavily protected infrastructure. The latest military action comes at a time when the Trump administration is facing criticism at home.
Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, recently resigned, stating he “cannot in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war.
His exit reflects growing concerns within the US about the direction and justification of the conflict.
