CENTCOM showcased decisive force near Hormuz while Trump blasted reluctant allies for shirking security responsibilities.
US Central Command said American forces used multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetrator munitions to strike hardened Iranian missile positions along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. According to CENTCOM, the targeted anti-ship cruise missile infrastructure posed a direct threat to international shipping moving through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
The strike was presented as part of Operation Epic Fury, with Washington framing the action as a necessary move to reduce the danger to commercial vessels, oil tankers, and regional stability. CENTCOM also released footage showing US attacks on Iranian targets it said threatened American forces, partner nations, and freedom of navigation in the region.
The military action came as President Donald Trump intensified pressure on allied countries to help secure the strait. Over the weekend and again on Monday, Trump argued that many foreign economies rely far more heavily on Hormuz than the United States does, stressing that Europe and other major importers should contribute more to protecting the route.
Trump said the US receives less than one percent of its oil through the strait and complained that countries benefiting most from safe passage were reluctant to get involved. He warned that even a limited threat, including mines or short-range missile fire, could disrupt global trade in the narrow waterway. His remarks underscored growing frustration in Washington after several NATO members quickly signaled they would not join the effort.
