US President Donald Trump has vowed a response after accusing Iran of downing a US military helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump alleged that Iran shot down the helicopter while it was on patrol. He warned that the US would take necessary action in response to the attack. The helicopter's two pilots were reported safe and uninjured.
Trump's warning came in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Earlier, he had indicated that the US was close to finalizing a deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program. This followed a series of retaliatory attacks between Iran and Israel, which ceased after Trump's intervention.
International media reported that a US Apache helicopter crashed near the coast of Oman, with both pilots rescued by US forces. Meanwhile, Israel's military chief, Ayal Zamir, stated that Israel was prepared to launch further attacks on Iran if directed.
Trump also mentioned that the US was close to signing a deal that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within two to three days. He suggested that a 'final victory' over Iran could be declared within the next two weeks.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, has been closed by Iran since February 28, following attacks by the US and Israel. Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, confirmed that Iran and the US were exchanging messages through Pakistan regarding the final draft of the deal. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Ismail Baghaei, blamed the US for any violations of the ceasefire, stating that Washington was a party to the ceasefire discussions.
