U.S. “Rivet Joint” on Reconnaissance Mission Over Strait of Hormuz

Misbar’s team tracked the aerial activity of the U.S. Air Force Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint strategic reconnaissance aircraft, registration number 62-4132, during intelligence missions over the Arabian Gulf on Saturday.

Air navigation data show the aircraft operating near the Strait of Hormuz, close to Iranian territorial waters, according to its latest signal recorded by tracking platforms.

Rivet Joint Reconnaissance Aircraft Flight Path Analysis

Flight path analysis on May 2, 2026, between 20:38 and 22:40 UTC showed the aircraft conducting intensive circular orbits and repeating elliptical patterns, apparently to remain over the target area for an extended period and maintain continuous intelligence collection.

The mission also recorded fluctuations in the aircraft’s digital identification signal, which intermittently appeared and disappeared on radar west of the Strait of Hormuz.

The flight lasted more than two hours over the Arabian Gulf before the aircraft ended its surveillance mission.

Rivet Joint Aircraft Technical Capabilities

The aircraft is a heavily modified variant of the C-135 and belongs to a fleet that dates back to 1962.

It is classified as a flying intelligence platform specialized in detecting and geolocating signals across the electromagnetic spectrum with high precision.

The design features an airframe equipped with advanced sensors and communications systems that relay data in real time to relevant authorities.

The aircraft is powered by four CFM-56 turbofan engines and is operated by a crew of 21 to 27 personnel, including electronic warfare officers, intelligence specialists and maintenance technicians.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis Continues

Iran continues to impose strict restrictions on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating commercial routes. In response, the United States has intensified pressure on Iranian ports, further escalating maritime tensions.

Tehran has presented a 14-point proposal through intermediaries aimed at ending the conflict. The proposal reportedly calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting reciprocal U.S. measures in exchange for the withdrawal of U.S. forces and compensation payments, while postponing nuclear talks to a later stage.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, insisting that a nuclear agreement remains the top priority to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to avoid renewed escalation, despite domestic pressure linked to disruptions affecting about 20% of global energy supplies and rising fuel prices.

Trump announced late Sunday that U.S. forces would begin “freeing stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz” starting Monday morning.

In a post on Truth Social, he said countries around the world had requested U.S. assistance in releasing vessels trapped in the strait.

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