Strait of Hormuz disaster as US Apache helicopter crashes – two crew members rescued

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with both crew members safely rescued, according to reports.

The cause of the crash remains unclear and is under investigation, according to two people briefed on the incident who spoke to the New York Times.

Officials have not determined whether the helicopter was brought down by Iranian fire, suffered a mechanical failure or encountered another issue.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a recent exchange of military strikes between Israel and Iran. Although both sides have since stepped back, the fragile ceasefire has underscored the volatility of the conflict.

The Trump administration had not publicly acknowledged the downing of the aircraft by Monday night, and neither the White House nor U.S. Central Command immediately commented.

Apache helicopters have played a key role in U.S. operations around the Strait of Hormuz, alongside MQ-9 Reaper drones and F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets.

They have been deployed as part of efforts to counter Iran’s effective closure of the vital shipping route and to protect commercial traffic.

Iran has reportedly shot down around 30 U.S. Reaper drones since fighting began in late February, while several American fighter aircraft have also been lost.

If confirmed, however, this would mark the first Apache helicopter destroyed during the conflict.

The heavily armed gunships, equipped with Hellfire missiles, routinely patrol the strategic waterway to deter attacks by small boats and intercept hostile drones.

In recent months, they have increasingly operated closer to Iranian-controlled islands and territory as the U.S. has adopted a more assertive military posture.