US launches strikes against Iran after Apache helicopter incident: CENTCOM

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces initiated self-defense strikes against Iran in response to the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The operation, directed by the Commander in Chief, was characterized as a "proportional response" to what CENTCOM termed "unjustified Iranian aggression."

“

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defence strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief's direction, in response to yesterday's downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.

The incident occurred after an Iranian strike reportedly downed the Apache helicopter while it was on patrol over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation, confirming that the two pilots aboard the aircraft were safe and uninjured. He issued a stern warning that the United States would respond to the attack, emphasizing the necessity of such action.

These strikes come amid a period of escalating hostilities involving Iran and other regional actors, including recent attacks on an Iranian petrochemical facility and reported targeting of Israeli military bases. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issuing a warning to foreign military forces operating near the area.

“

I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.

Araghchi advised that forces in proximity to Iranian territory face "constant risk" due to potential human errors, accidents, or being caught in crossfire. He suggested that the "best solution" for these forces is to leave the region, while also indicating Iran's preference for diplomacy but readiness to use other means if necessary.

“

Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire. To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave. We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too.