Iran-Israel War: US Claims 'Degraded' Iran Threat to Strait of Hormuz, Over 130 Vessels Hit

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has led to heightened global tensions, with the U.S. military announcing on March 21, 2026, that Iran's capacity to threaten the Strait of Hormuz has been "degraded." Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated in a video message that "Operation Epic Fury" has resulted in strikes on over 8,000 Iranian military targets and more than 130 vessels. This operation involved the bombing of an underground facility storing cruise missiles and other weaponry, along with the destruction of intelligence support sites and missile radar relays. The U.S. military emphasized that Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is diminished as a result. The broader implications of this conflict extend to global supply chains, particularly affecting India's energy security. India's significant reliance on LPG imports, with 80-90% of its supply coming from the Middle East, makes it highly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. The closure or threat to the Strait has already led to delays in commercial LPG deliveries, extending to several days and impacting the hospitality and industrial sectors. Domestic LPG prices have seen a notable increase, with commercial cylinders also rising sharply. This situation exacerbates concerns about inflation, widens the current account deficit, and strains government finances due to increased subsidies. The government has taken measures to mitigate these effects, including hiking commercial LPG allocation and prioritizing domestic and essential sector supplies. Economically, the conflict has led to a surge in oil and gas prices globally. Brent crude prices have seen significant jumps, with warnings of potential spikes to $150 a barrel. Natural gas prices have also reached multi-year highs. This volatility is attributed to targeted attacks on energy infrastructure by both Iran and Israel, heightening fears of prolonged supply disruptions. The conflict has also impacted other sectors, including real estate, due to increased material costs and shipping disruptions. Internationally, over 20 countries have expressed a desire to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran's actions. These nations have called for an immediate moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation. The U.S. military is considering deploying additional troops to the region to reinforce its operations and explore options for securing safe passage for oil tankers. The article from The Hindu, published on March 21, 2026, aligns with reporting from various credible sources that detail the U.S. military's claims of degrading Iran's threat to the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing military actions, and the significant impact on global energy markets and India's supply chains. The information regarding the number of vessels hit and the U.S. military's assessment of Iran's capabilities are consistent across multiple reports. The impact on India's LPG supply and prices is also well-documented by various news outlets. The source, The Hindu, is a reputable Indian newspaper with a long history of reliable reporting. Therefore, the core claims of the article are verified.

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