U.S. quietly shipped hellfire missiles to Israel days before strikes on Iran, report reveals

06/16/2025 / By Laura Harris

The U.S. quietly delivered around 300 Hellfire missiles to Israel on June 10 – just three days before Israel launched a major aerial assault on Iran.
The Hellfire, especially the advanced AGM-114R “Romeo” variant, is highly effective against tactical surface targets like vehicles and command infrastructure, aligning with the reported goals of Israel’s strike.
Two unnamed U.S. officials indicated that Washington was likely aware of Israel’s plans, despite its public stance supporting nuclear diplomacy with Iran.
After Iran retaliated with missile strikes, U.S. ground-based systems helped intercept projectiles aimed at Israel, though jets and warships were not used in this round of defense.
The U.S. maintains about 40,000 troops in the Middle East with advanced defense capabilities, underscoring the deep military coordination and readiness between Washington and Tel Aviv.

The United States quietly delivered a shipment of approximately 300 Hellfire missiles to Israel just three days before the Israeli military launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Iran.

The Hellfire missile, originally developed during the Cold War to counter Soviet armor, has evolved into a staple of U.S. and allied air operations. The most advanced version, known as the AGM-114R or “Hellfire Romeo,” features a semi-active laser guidance system and a blast fragmentation sleeve warhead. Its ability to be launched from a range of platforms, from helicopters and UAVs to naval vessels, makes it a key component in modern tactical warfare.

Although it is not designed to penetrate hardened underground facilities, such as Iran’s nuclear bunkers, it is highly effective against surface targets including vehicles, radar systems and personnel compounds. This makes it well-suited for Israel’s reported objectives in the recent strike.

Based on the information from two unnamed U.S. officials, the Trump administration was likely aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iranian targets, despite its public posture at the time, which signaled continued openness to nuclear diplomacy with Tehran.

The U.S. officials claimed that the shipment, which had not been previously reported, occurred on Tuesday, June 10 as part of a broader U.S. effort to resupply Israeli forces amid heightened regional tensions. Israel’s strike on Iran, carried out early Friday, involved more than 100 aircraft and reportedly targeted senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists and key command infrastructure.

“There is a time and place for Hellfires. They were useful to Israel,” one senior U.S. defense official said.

U.S. military intercepts Iranian missiles targeting Israel

The American support for Israel’s operation extends beyond logistics.

The same officials confirmed on Friday, June 13, that American forces played an active role in intercepting Iranian missiles fired in retaliation at Israeli targets following the strike. One of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the missile interceptions were conducted using ground-based defense systems. Fighter jets and naval warships, often employed in past joint defense operations, have not yet been used in the current round of missile defense activity, the official added.

The officials did not disclose the exact locations from which the U.S. intercepts were launched, citing security sensitivities. However, the coordinated defense efforts between Israel and the U.S. underscores the depth of military integration between the two allies. (Related: Report: U.S. may intervene if Iran directly attacks Israel.)

Moreover, the U.S. maintains approximately 40,000 military personnel throughout the Middle East, along with a robust array of air defense systems, fighter aircraft and naval assets strategically positioned to respond to emerging threats. In previous incidents involving Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel, the U.S. military has utilized both fighter jets and Navy vessels to shoot down incoming projectiles. Meaning, this information could be possibly true.

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Watch this episode of the “Health Ranger Report” as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses reports that Israel is preparing for a preemptive nuclear strike on Iran.

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