The New York Times reported Tuesday, citing two sources, that a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Both pilots were rescued and evacuated safely from the crash site.  

One source, speaking anonymously, said it was unclear whether the helicopter was brought down by Iranian fire, mechanical failure, or another issue. Investigations are ongoing. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the pilots were safe, while U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not yet commented.  

The incident comes days after heightened hostilities in the region subsided, with Israel and Iran exchanging strikes Monday before reaffirming a ceasefire agreement in place since April.  

The AH-64 Apache is a highly maneuverable and lethal attack helicopter, designed for close and deep operations in diverse combat environments. It is equipped with a 30mm M230E1 automatic cannon, folding-fin aerial rockets, and precision-guided Hellfire missiles, enabling versatile offensive missions.  
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Since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to most international shipping amid U.S.-Israeli military operations, the U.S. military has relied on Apaches, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets as part of CENTCOM’s intensified naval blockade.  

This marks the first U.S. Apache loss since the war with Iran began on February 28. Iran has claimed to have downed about 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, while the U.S. has lost additional fighter aircraft to hostile and friendly fire during direct military confrontations.