US strikes Iran after helicopter downed over Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. Central Command confirmed Tuesday that its forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian positions. This action followed the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter the previous day. The command described the operation as a "proportionate response to unjustified Iranian aggression."

“

The U.S. Central Command announced Tuesday that its forces "began launching self-defense strikes against Iran" on the orders of the commander-in-chief, in response to the downing the previous day of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter.

President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the sophisticated Apache helicopter was shot down during a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz. He assured that the two pilots were safe and unharmed, but emphasized that the United States "must, of necessity, respond to this attack."

“

The Iranians shot down one of our very fine sophisticated Apache helicopters during a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to U.S. officials cited by NBC News and CENTCOM, the two crew members were rescued by a "drone boat," a type of unmanned surface vessel. This marked the first reported recovery of its kind by U.S. forces. The rescue occurred about two hours after the incident, with the pilots reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical care. Initial indications suggest the Apache may have been shot down by an Iranian drone, though the incident's origin is under investigation.

“

The United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.

Iranian officials downplayed their involvement. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, posted on X that foreign forces endanger themselves by operating near Iranian territory. He suggested the best way to reduce risk is for them to leave, adding, "We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we also speak other languages."

“

The best solution to reduce the risk is for them to leave.