In a major escalation aimed at restoring maritime movement, the United States has carried out airstrikes on Iranian missile positions near the Strait of Hormuz using powerful deep-penetration bombs.

The US military confirmed that multiple 5,000-pound bunker buster munitions were used to target hardened missile infrastructure along Iran’s coastline. According to an official statement, the sites housed anti-ship cruise missiles that posed a significant threat to international shipping in the strategic waterway.

The strikes mark the first major US military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran reportedly shut it down in response to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Strait disruption triggers global concern

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global النفط transit route, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it. Its closure has severely disrupted shipping activity and triggered a sharp rise in global energy prices.

The US action appears to be aimed at neutralising immediate threats to vessels and restoring safe passage through the region.

Allies reluctant to back US move

The development comes amid reports that several US allies, including NATO members, have declined calls from President Donald Trump to support efforts to secure the strait.

Expressing frustration, Trump criticised allies for not contributing even limited resources such as minesweepers, despite longstanding US support to NATO. He maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a priority for global security.

However, Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, stating that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes, including energy production.

Use of bunker buster bombs

The bombs used in the operation are designed to destroy fortified or deeply buried targets. These 5,000-pound munitions, often referred to as bunker busters, are capable of penetrating hardened structures before detonation.

While powerful, they are smaller compared to the 30,000-pound bombs reportedly used by the US in previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

A senior US national security official has stepped down in protest against the ongoing war with Iran, citing moral concerns and disagreement with the administration’s decision.

Joseph Kent, who headed the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned from his post, stating he could not support the conflict “in good conscience.” In his resignation letter, Kent argued that Iran did not pose an “imminent threat” to the United States.

He also alleged that external pressure, particularly from Israel and influential pro-war voices, played a role in shaping the decision to enter the conflict under President Donald Trump.

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” Kent wrote, adding that the US had been drawn into the conflict despite a lack of direct threat.

Kent further claimed that a “misinformation campaign” by senior Israeli officials and sections of the American media contributed to building support for military action. According to him, this created an “echo chamber” that influenced the president’s perception of Iran as an immediate danger.

In his letter, Kent said that until mid-2025, Trump had acknowledged that prolonged wars in the Middle East had drained US resources and cost lives. However, he suggested that this position shifted under sustained pressure and messaging.

He urged the president to reconsider the course of action, warning that the conflict could push the country toward instability. “You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos,” he wrote.

Kent’s resignation marks the first high-level departure from the administration directly linked to the Iran war.

As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, Kent was responsible for analysing and monitoring terrorist threats. His tenure, however, had been controversial. He was confirmed to the role last year by a narrow Senate vote, facing strong opposition from Democrats over his past associations.

Critics had raised concerns about his links to far-right figures and his stance on conspiracy theories. During his earlier political campaign, Kent had professional associations with individuals connected to extremist groups, which became a point of contention during his confirmation hearings.

A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport on Monday after a drone-related incident struck a fuel tank in the surrounding area, prompting authorities to suspend flights temporarily while emergency teams responded.

Officials said crews from Dubai Civil Defence were quickly deployed to control the blaze after the incident was reported near the airport. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were recorded and that safety protocols were immediately activated in the surrounding area.

The Dubai Media Office said in a post on X that a drone incident near the airport had affected one of the fuel tanks. Emergency teams moved rapidly to bring the fire under control.

Later, officials confirmed that the situation had been contained. According to authorities, civil defence teams successfully controlled the fire resulting from the impact on the fuel facility, and there were no casualties.

Authorities said response teams acted quickly while precautionary safety measures were implemented to safeguard residents, workers and airport operations in the area.

Flights temporarily suspended as precaution

Following the incident, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced a temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport to ensure passenger and staff safety.

Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules as authorities assessed the situation and continued response operations.

Airport officials also confirmed that some flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport during the temporary suspension.

Rising security concerns amid regional conflict

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Officials said Iran has fired more than 1,800 missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates since the start of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Authorities said the UAE has become one of the most targeted countries during the escalation, though most projectiles have reportedly been intercepted by air defence systems.

The strikes have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports and oil facilities across the Gulf after US-Israeli strikes reportedly hit Iranian leadership targets.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s defence ministry has reported six deaths linked to the conflict so far — four civilians and two military personnel. Officials said the soldiers died in a helicopter crash caused by a technical issue.