U.S. Attacks Iranian naval vessels and drones near Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has launched an intensive military campaign against Iranian naval vessels and drones near the Strait of Hormuz.

“Caine did not quantify how many fast-attack watercraft A-10s had struck”

Air & Space Forces Magazine

U.S. warplanes and attack helicopters are actively 'hunting and killing' Iran's fast-attack watercraft operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Air & Space Forces Magazine

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed these operations are targeting Iranian naval assets.

The military operations represent a concerted effort to reopen the strategic chokepoint, which handles approximately 20% of global oil exports.

The waterway has been nearly completely disrupted since early March due to Iranian attacks and threats.

The conflict has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices rising above $100 per barrel.

Saudi officials warned that if the war continues into late April, prices could surge to $180 per barrel.

U.S. military forces are employing a diverse arsenal of aircraft and munitions in their campaign against Iranian naval assets.

The aging A-10 Warthog ground attack aircraft has been deployed specifically for Operation Epic Fury.

Al-Jazeera Net

These aircraft are armed with 30mm Gatling cannons capable of firing over 3,900 rounds per minute.

A-10s are also equipped with AGM-65 Maverick missiles and APKWS laser-guided rockets.

AH-64 Apache helicopters have been deployed to counter Iranian one-way attack drones.

Some regional allies are also contributing Apache helicopters to the operation.

The U.S. has utilized advanced GBU-72 deep penetrator munitions to attack Iranian missile sites.

The Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Approximately 20,000 sailors are stranded aboard roughly 3,200 vessels in the strait according to AFP reports.

The disruption has caused widespread damage to energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Bahrain reported a fire at an energy facility following falling debris from an Iranian strike.

Kuwait confirmed that drones hit a refinery at the port of Al-Ahmadi, causing a blaze.

European powers and Japan are considering additional steps to stabilize energy markets.

The global economic impact has been significant, with Brent crude briefly surpassing $119 per barrel.

The Trump administration is considering aggressive military options to pressure Iran.

Plans include seizing or blocking Iran's Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.

Middle East Eye

Two sources confirmed that occupying the island has been discussed within the administration.

President Trump announced CENTCOM had struck the island, claiming 'obliterated every military target'.

Trump stated 'one way or another' the U.S. would open the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military claims it has destroyed 120 Iranian naval vessels and 44 mine-laying watercraft.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed destruction of over 120 Iranian naval vessels.

Experts warn that regaining full control of the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks.

“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by Warplanes and attack helicopters are “hunting and killing” Iran’s fast-attack watercraft in contested sea lanes, Gen”

New York Times

Iran's vast military assets and asymmetric warfare capabilities make the operation complex.

New York Times

Farzin Nadimy, an Iran defense expert, stated 'it will take weeks to reach a level where safe operations in the strait are possible'.

He added that 'even then, a significant portion of Iran's assets will remain intact'.

The operation has gained urgency with reports of Iranian plans to impose transit fees on ships.

About 2,200 Marines are reportedly on their way to the Middle East.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying over 2,200 Marines, is also en route to support the effort.