US drops 5,000-pound ‘bunker buster’ bombs on Iran missile sites near Strait of Hormuz

The United States on Tuesday dropped multiple 5,000-pound “deep penetrator” bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, a key flashpoint in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Washington said the targeted sites posed a threat to international shipping through the vital oil transit route.

In a statement, US Central Command said its forces had struck hardened missile positions along Iran’s coastline using the heavy munitions.

The strikes come amid heightened tensions after Iran effectively shut down access to the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned the situation would not return to its “pre-war” state.

Nuclear site scare

Separately, International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran reported a projectile landing near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, though no damage or injuries were recorded. IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi again urged restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear incident.

Iran retaliates with fresh strikes

Iran responded with a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel and several Gulf nations, a day after Israeli strikes killed two of its top security officials.

Among those killed was senior figure Ali Larijani, a close associate of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force.

In retaliation, Iran launched multiple-warhead missiles toward central Israel, with fatalities reported in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, according to Israel’s emergency service. Missile and drone attacks were also reported in countries including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, though many were intercepted by air defence systems.

The escalating exchanges have intensified concerns over regional stability and the security of global energy supplies.