US Military Operation in Iran: Caine Details Strikes, Concerns Over Missile Capability and Hormuz Strait

Despite ongoing military operations led by the US and Israel, Iran continues to possess some missile capabilities, according to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This assessment comes as international efforts focus on ensuring freedom of navigation and trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway currently facing disruptions.

Caine’s Assessment of Iranian Missile Capabilities

During a press conference on Thursday, March 19, 2026, General Caine stated that while US and Israeli forces have been actively targeting Iranian missile infrastructure, Tehran “still retains some missile capability.” He affirmed the commitment to continue these efforts, stating, “We continue to hunt them, locate them and destroy them. And we will continue to do so.” Source

Caine also highlighted the presence of layered defenses throughout the region designed to protect allies and partners. The US is collaborating with Gulf nations to enhance their defensive capabilities. Source

International Concerns: Hormuz Strait and Trade Disruptions

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is drawing significant international attention. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and French President Emmanuel Macron have jointly condemned Iranian attacks on strategic infrastructure in Qatar while remaining largely silent on US and Israeli strikes against Iranian oil fields and plants. Source

The leaders emphasized “the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and trade” in the Strait of Hormuz and called for “a sustainable plan” to reopen it. Source

Impact on Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

The blockade of ships in the Hormuz Strait is already impacting various sectors, including the pharmaceutical supply chain in Europe. Stefania Pesatori, a senior underwriter at Qbe Italia, notes that pharmaceutical and technological supply chains are vulnerable due to their dependence on strategic logistical hubs like Hormuz. Source

While there is no immediate emergency, concerns are growing about the potential for disruptions if the conflict persists. A prolonged crisis could lead to production slowdowns and price increases for pharmaceuticals in Europe, as approximately 70% of drugs dispensed in Europe are generics with inputs largely sourced outside the EU. Source

Pesatori highlights that business interruption represents the largest cost item in insurance claims for the pharmaceutical sector, often exceeding 50% of the total claim. Source

Ongoing Updates

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Caine are providing ongoing updates on the military operation in Iran. Source Further details on the situation, including potential impacts on global trade and supply chains, are expected to emerge as the conflict evolves.