Downed US Apache helicopter in Strait of Hormuz was involved in secret oil operation: report (opens original article in a new tab)

A U.S. Apache helicopter was shot down by Iran during a secret oil transfer operation in the Strait of Hormuz, which involved coordinated ship-to-ship transfers to maintain energy exports.

• A US Apache helicopter was shot down by Iran on June 9 during a secret oil transfer operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The operation involved ship-to-ship oil transfers using helicopters, drones, and tankers to maintain Gulf energy exports amid Iranian sanctions.
• U.S. military controlled the transfers, with tankers navigating designated routes under surveillance to avoid Iranian attacks.