The United States (US) has launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military installations near the Strait of Hormuz following the downing of an American Apache helicopter during a patrol mission in the strategic waterway.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that it had carried out what it described as “self-defence strikes” targeting Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar facilities in the area.
The military action came a day after the Apache helicopter was shot down while operating over the Hormuz waters.
Both crew members survived the incident and were rescued by a U.S. sea drone, according to American officials.
Confirming the response, President Donald Trump told ABC News that military action was already underway.
“I think it’s very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak,” Trump said.
Earlier, the president had downplayed the significance of the helicopter incident in remarks to The Wall Street Journal, saying it “wasn’t a big deal” and noting that “the pilot is fine.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes and vowed retaliation, although he did not directly address the helicopter incident.
“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the U.S. opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” Araghchi said.
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He also warned that foreign forces should leave the region if they wished to avoid further confrontation.
Following the U.S. operation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacks on the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and a military airbase in Jordan. Kuwait also reported coming under Iranian attack.
The latest escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Before the U.S. strikes, both countries had exchanged missile attacks in what observers described as the most serious violation of a ceasefire brokered in April.
Although Iran and Israel later agreed to suspend hostilities after Trump called for an immediate ceasefire, both sides warned that military operations could resume if either party launched fresh attacks.
The fragile truce remains under pressure as renewed exchanges raise concerns about a broader regional conflict.
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