U.S. Forces Uses Hellfire Missiles to Stop Iranian Oil Tanker Violating Gulf of Oman Blockade.

U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker allegedly carrying Iranian crude through the Gulf of Oman using precision-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, signaling a more aggressive approach to enforcing Washington’s campaign against Tehran’s energy exports. Announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on June 11, 2026, the strike highlights the growing role of military power in disrupting maritime networks accused of supporting Iran’s oil trade.

The missiles reportedly targeted the vessel’s engine room, preventing it from continuing its voyage while limiting broader damage to the ship. The operation demonstrates how precision strike capabilities are being integrated into maritime interdiction missions, reinforcing deterrence and increasing pressure on the commercial routes that sustain Iran’s sanctioned energy sector.

Related Topic: US Navy redirects 100th cargo ship during naval blockade of Iran in Strait of Hormuz

Illustrative image showing a U.S. Army AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter launching an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. CENTCOM reported that a U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles to disable the engine room of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker M/T Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman on June 10, 2026, after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with U.S. directives. The image is not related to the actual operation. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War/Defense)

The engagement occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on June 10, 2026, ET and marks the third commercial vessel disabled by U.S. forces during the week. CENTCOM stated that M/T Jalveer was operating in the Gulf of Oman while transporting Iranian oil when it ignored repeated directives. Rather than targeting the vessel's cargo or hull, the strike was aimed specifically at the propulsion section, rendering the tanker incapable of continuing its voyage while limiting the risk of environmental damage or loss of life.

The AGM-114 Hellfire is a combat-proven precision-guided missile originally developed by the United States as an anti-tank weapon designed to destroy armored vehicles and fortified positions. Since entering service in the 1980s, the missile family has evolved into a versatile precision-strike weapon capable of engaging a broad range of targets, including armored vehicles, small boats, command posts, radar systems, and high-value mobile targets. Depending on the variant, Hellfire missiles employ semi-active laser guidance or advanced seeker technologies that provide high accuracy against stationary and moving targets while minimizing collateral damage.

Among the most likely aircraft capable of conducting such an engagement is the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle. Widely deployed by the U.S. military across the Middle East, the MQ-9 combines long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with precision strike capacity. The aircraft can carry multiple AGM-114 Hellfire missiles beneath its wings and engage targets at extended ranges while remaining on station for more than 24 hours, depending on mission configuration. Its ability to continuously monitor maritime traffic and rapidly conduct precision attacks makes it particularly well-suited for interdiction missions against non-compliant vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters. While CENTCOM has not disclosed the aircraft involved in the strike against M/T Jalveer, the MQ-9 remains one of the U.S. military's most frequently employed platforms for precision engagements in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

One of the key advantages of the Hellfire missile is its compatibility with a wide range of launch platforms across the U.S. military. The weapon is most commonly associated with the U.S. Army's AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, which employs Hellfire missiles as its primary anti-armor armament. The missile is also carried by the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, a combat aircraft designed for close air support, armed reconnaissance, escort, and maritime strike missions. In addition, Hellfire missiles are routinely deployed from MQ-1C Gray Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles, providing precision strike capabilities during intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Several fixed-wing aircraft and naval systems can also employ Hellfire variants, making the weapon one of the most versatile precision-guided munitions in the U.S. arsenal for both land and maritime engagements.

The use of Hellfire missiles against M/T Jalveer highlights the growing role of precision-guided weapons in maritime interdiction missions. By targeting the vessel's engine room rather than its cargo tanks or structural hull sections, U.S. forces were able to disable propulsion without destroying the tanker. This approach reflects a calibrated use of force designed to stop non-compliant vessels while reducing the risk of a major oil spill, fire, or crew casualties.

Such operations require a sophisticated combination of intelligence gathering, maritime surveillance, target identification, and precision engagement capabilities. Before authorizing the strike, U.S. forces reportedly issued repeated instructions directing the vessel to comply. The decision to employ stand-off precision weapons after those warnings went unanswered illustrates how modern maritime enforcement increasingly relies on integrated surveillance and strike networks capable of responding rapidly to evolving situations at sea.

The incident also demonstrates the operational reach of CENTCOM's maritime security architecture across one of the world's most strategically important waterways. The Gulf of Oman serves as the gateway to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial portion of global seaborne oil exports transits each day. Maintaining awareness and control across this region requires integrating naval forces, maritime patrol aircraft, satellites, intelligence assets, and armed aircraft capable of conducting precision engagements against identified targets.

The strike against M/T Jalveer follows two similar operations earlier in the week involving the Palau-flagged tankers M/T Marivex and M/T Settebello. According to CENTCOM, Marivex attempted to sail toward an Iranian port while Settebello was allegedly transporting Iranian oil. Their disabling indicates a sustained enforcement campaign rather than isolated incidents and suggests that U.S. forces are prepared to take direct action against vessels suspected of violating blockade measures.

According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have disabled nine non-compliant vessels since the blockade began on April 13, while redirecting 135 ships that complied with coalition instructions. The command also reported allowing 42 humanitarian aid vessels to continue their voyages, emphasizing that enforcement measures are being applied against commercial activities linked to Iran while maintaining access for humanitarian shipments.

From a military perspective, the disabling of M/T Jalveer demonstrates how precision airpower can be employed as an alternative to more complex boarding operations. The ability to identify, track, and selectively disable commercial vessels from stand-off distances reduces risks to U.S. personnel while providing commanders with a rapid and proportionate enforcement option. The strike also highlights the flexibility of assets such as the AH-64 Apache, AH-1Z Viper, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, and MQ-9 Reaper, all of which can deliver precision-guided Hellfire missiles against maritime targets when required.

The incident further signals an evolution in the enforcement of maritime sanctions and blockades. Rather than relying exclusively on inspections and naval interception, U.S. forces are demonstrating an ability to impose immediate consequences on vessels that ignore coalition directives. The use of Hellfire missiles against M/T Jalveer underscores how precision-guided munitions, combined with persistent surveillance and maritime domain awareness, are becoming central tools in modern economic and security enforcement campaigns.

From a strategic standpoint, the operation sends a clear message about the U.S. resolve to restrict maritime activities that support Iranian oil exports. Beyond disabling a single tanker, the strike highlights the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and precision-strike capabilities into a comprehensive maritime enforcement framework that can influence shipping behavior in one of the world's most critical energy corridors. As maritime pressure on Iran's energy sector intensifies, the ability to rapidly detect, track, and disable non-compliant vessels is emerging as a key component of U.S. regional deterrence and maritime security strategy.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.