In a sharp escalation followed by an unexpected diplomatic pivot, United States military forces deployed two of their most lethal rotary-wing platforms—the AH-64 Apache and the MH-60 Seahawk—to conduct precision strikes against Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz, even as Washington signaled a temporary halt to its naval escort operations in hopes of reviving stalled peace negotiations with Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically indispensable maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets, has remained under a de facto blockade enforced by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil transits through this chokepoint under normal conditions, making any disruption a matter of global economic concern. The current crisis stems from a broader confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has unfolded over several weeks of heightened hostilities.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out targeted strikes on six Iranian fast attack craft that were deemed a threat to commercial shipping lanes. The operation involved AH-64 Apache attack helicopters—traditionally associated with land warfare—and MH-60 Seahawk naval helicopters, reflecting a joint-force approach to maritime security operations.
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper confirmed the engagement during a press briefing, stating that the helicopters were deployed to neutralize immediate threats in the waterway.
“We have an enormous amount of capability and firepower concentrated in and around the strait,” Cooper said. “This morning, AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters were used to eliminate six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping. We are backing up commitment with action.”
Cooper noted that Iranian swarm tactics—typically involving 20 to 40 small boats operating in coordinated formations—appear to have diminished in scale, suggesting degradation in operational capacity. “Today, we saw six and eliminated them quickly. That’s a notable reduction, though the threat is not entirely gone,” he added.
The helicopter strikes form part of a broader US initiative launched on May 4 under the designation “Project Freedom.” The mission was ordered after diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis reached an impasse. Its stated objective was to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and assist stranded commercial vessels unable to transit due to Iranian restrictions.
President Donald Trump framed the operation in humanitarian terms, emphasizing the plight of civilian crews stuck in the Persian Gulf.
“The ship movement is meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong,” Trump said. “They are victims of circumstance.”
He further described the mission as a “humanitarian gesture,” noting that many vessels were running low on food, fuel, and essential supplies necessary for maintaining sanitary conditions onboard.
As part of the operation, US forces also undertook mine-clearing activities to establish a secure transit corridor through the strait. CENTCOM confirmed that a navigable, mine-free path had been successfully opened prior to the helicopter engagement.
In a surprising development, President Trump announced that the United States would temporarily pause its escort operations for commercial vessels transiting the strait. The decision, he said, was intended to create diplomatic space for finalizing a potential agreement with Iran.
“Great progress has been made,” Trump stated. “The ship-guiding operation will be paused for a short period to see whether or not the agreement can be finalized and signed.”
The announcement came just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Washington had completed its offensive military objectives against Iran. However, Rubio underscored that the United States retains the capability—and the willingness—to respond forcefully to any renewed threats against maritime traffic.
“We reserve the right to unleash a devastating response if shipping is attacked again,” Rubio warned.
The deployment of AH-64 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters highlights the increasing role of rotary-wing assets in littoral and asymmetric maritime warfare.
The AH-64 Apache, manufactured by Boeing, is widely regarded as one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. Though originally designed for anti-armor operations, particularly against tanks, its adaptability allows it to engage a broad spectrum of targets—including small, fast-moving boats.
Equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon, laser-guided Hellfire missiles, and 70mm rockets, the Apache offers a versatile weapons suite capable of delivering precision firepower. Its sensor package—comprising infrared, laser, and radar systems—enables effective target acquisition in day, night, and all-weather conditions.
The helicopter’s Longbow radar system allows for “fire-and-forget” missile engagements, a critical advantage in dynamic combat environments. In recent years, the US Army has expanded the Apache’s operational envelope to include maritime missions, conducting drills involving shipboard landings and long-range overwater strikes.
In the current scenario, the Apache has effectively transitioned from its traditional “tank killer” role to what military analysts describe as a “small boat killer,” addressing the specific threat posed by Iranian fast attack craft.
Complementing the Apache is the MH-60 Seahawk, a naval helicopter derived from the UH-60 Black Hawk platform. The Seahawk exists in two primary variants: the MH-60R “Romeo” and the MH-60S “Sierra.”
The MH-60R is a dedicated anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare platform, equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems. It can detect, track, and engage both underwater and surface threats, making it a critical asset for protecting carrier strike groups and naval convoys.
Armed with Hellfire missiles and heavy machine guns, the MH-60R is particularly effective against small boats and fast attack craft. Its sensor fusion capabilities allow it to maintain situational awareness in congested maritime environments like the Strait of Hormuz.
The MH-60S, while less specialized in combat roles, offers significant versatility. It supports logistics, search-and-rescue, mine countermeasures, and special operations. Its modular design allows it to be rapidly reconfigured depending on mission requirements.
Together, these platforms provide a layered response capability—combining surveillance, targeting, and kinetic strike functions.
This is not the first time these helicopters have been used in similar engagements. In December 2023, US forces deployed Apaches and Seahawks against hostile small boats linked to Houthi militants in the Red Sea, following attacks on commercial shipping.
The recurring use of such platforms underscores a broader shift in naval warfare, where smaller, agile threats—often operating in swarms—require rapid, precise, and flexible responses.
However, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz carries significantly higher stakes. Any prolonged disruption could impact global oil prices, supply chains, and regional stability.
While the US pause in escort operations suggests a potential opening for diplomacy, the situation remains highly volatile. The presence of substantial US firepower in the region, combined with Iran’s demonstrated willingness to challenge maritime access, creates a precarious balance.
