US launches new strikes on Iran after helicopter downed

The United States launched strikes against Iranian air defense systems and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, escalating tensions in the region. President Donald Trump stated the operation was a "proportional response" after Tehran shot down a US Apache helicopter. The strikes, which began in the evening ET, targeted Iranian facilities, according to U.S. Central Command.

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I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is.

Iran's state media reported that the island of Qeshm and the port city of Sirik were attacked, with explosions heard in nearby areas. Iranian media also cited the country's top joint military command, claiming some US bases in the region were targeted in response. The Revolutionary Guards reportedly attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with drones, threatening more severe responses if hostilities continued.

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I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that’s what this one is.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed a warning siren sounded, but an adviser to the King stated air defenses had repelled Iranian attacks. The Pentagon did not immediately comment, and Reuters could not immediately verify battlefield reports. The incident has deepened doubts over a potential peace deal and further strained a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.

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To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave.

Oil prices rose about 1% in early Asian trade on Wednesday due to the heightened hostilities. Trump downplayed the helicopter incident, calling it "not a big deal" and noting the pilots were unharmed. However, Iran's state media cited a military source claiming no offensive air operations occurred in the Strait of Hormuz in the preceding 24 hours. Iran's Foreign Minister vowed that the country would "leave no attack or threat unanswered."

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The Apache was brought down by a one-way Iranian attack drone.