Apache Helicopters, Low-Flying Attack Jets Sent: US Steps Up Military Push To Reopen Hormuz

Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 07:51 IST

The US and allies aim to restore movement through the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict with Iran. Fighter jets and helicopters target Iranian naval threats.

The United States, along with its allies, is pushing efforts to restore movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, fighter jets are carrying out low-altitude strikes on Iranian naval targets, while Apache helicopters are being deployed to intercept drones in the area.

These actions are part of a wider Pentagon strategy aimed at clearing threats in the region, including armed boats, sea mines and cruise missiles.

The situation has severely restricted ship movement since early March. If conditions improve, US naval forces could begin moving through the strait again and eventually provide escorts to commercial vessels.

Even as tensions remain high, some ships have continued to pass through the waterway. Around 90 vessels, including oil tankers, have crossed the strait since the conflict began, with millions of barrels of oil still being exported despite the disruption.

Data from maritime tracking agencies suggests that many of these journeys were carried out as “dark" voyages, where ships avoid tracking systems to escape Western sanctions and monitoring. Lloyd’s List Intelligence indicated that several of these vessels are likely linked to Iran.

In recent developments, ships associated with India and Pakistan have also managed to cross the strait, following increased diplomatic engagement by their governments.

The crisis has pushed global oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel. In response, US President Donald Trump has urged allied nations and trade partners to send naval support and help reopen the route in an attempt to ease pressure on oil markets.

The Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply, has seen a sharp drop in traffic since the conflict began. Reports suggest that around 20 vessels have been attacked in the area, further discouraging movement.

Despite this, Iran has continued to maintain strong export levels. According to data from analytics firm Kpler, the country has exported more than 16 million barrels of oil since early March. China remains the largest buyer, largely due to existing sanctions limiting other options.

Experts say Iran’s exports have remained steady despite the challenges. Kpler analyst Ana Subasic described the situation as showing “continued resilience", while Kun Cao of Reddal noted that Iran has been able to both earn revenue and maintain control over a key shipping route.

Shipping figures support this assessment. Between March 1 and 15, at least 89 vessels, including 16 oil tankers, crossed the strait. This is significantly lower than the usual daily movement of 100 to 135 ships before the conflict.

Of these vessels, more than one-fifth were believed to be linked to Iran, while others were connected to countries such as China and Greece. Despite the risks, some maritime traffic continues to move through the strategic passage.

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