U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters have been flying armed patrols over the Strait of Hormuz, with US Central Command releasing new images of the aircraft operating above commercial shipping lanes.
“AH-64 Apaches fly above the Strait of Hormuz during a patrol, April 17. U.S. Army Soldiers are flying in and around the strait providing a visible presence in support of freedom of navigation,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
The helicopters, shown carrying AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, were photographed flying over oil tankers and cargo ships transiting the narrow waterway. The flights are part of a continued U.S. military presence in the region, where Apaches have been deployed since March to support maritime security operations.
The images were released as Iran signaled new restrictions on vessel movements through the strait, warning that ships approaching the area could be targeted. Tehran has previously relied on a mix of fast attack craft, missiles and drones to pressure or strike commercial vessels in the Gulf.
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Iran said it was again restricting commercial vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that ships approaching the area could be considered hostile targets. The move follows a brief reopening announced a day earlier and comes amid a standoff with Washington over a naval blockade of Iranian ports tied to negotiations for a final agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the strait remained open for navigation during a temporary ceasefire, but indicated that restrictions on Iranian maritime activity would stay in place until a deal is reached. Iranian authorities, however, described the blockade as a violation of the truce and signaled they could halt traffic through the waterway while it remains in force.
