According to analysts from The War Zone, U.S. forces struck Iranian naval facilities during an operation known as Epic Fury. The mission reportedly marked the first combat use of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems armed not only with ATACMS missiles but also with the newer PrSM missiles, which have a significantly longer range.

General Dan Kane, Chairman of the U. S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the strikes destroyed several Iranian vessels and one submarine. Satellite images from Planet Labs, dated March 4, were said to show a Russian-built Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine (Project 636 «Varshavyanka») sunk at the naval base in Bender-Abbas. Smaller Ghadir-class diesel-electric submarines were also reportedly hit in the harbor and nearby anchorage.

Observers note that Washington appears to be focusing its efforts on degrading Iran’s underwater fleet. Such strikes are aimed at weakening Tehran’s ability to lay naval mines and conduct attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf. Analysts add that the recently introduced PrSM missile, which entered service only in the past two years, significantly expands the range at which U.S. forces can engage targets compared with ATACMS. This capability is seen as particularly relevant for potential future conflicts, including scenarios involving China.

The War Zone suggests that the large-scale use of ballistic missiles against ships and submarines in port reflects a shift in U.S. military tactics, emphasizing the neutralization of threats with minimal risk and high precision.