The United States launched a strike on Iran after President Donald Trump threatened a counter-response following the alleged downing of a US helicopter by Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strike, initiated on Tuesday, was a proportional response to Iran's 'unreasonable aggression'. The attack occurred after reports of a US Apache helicopter being downed in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM confirmed that a US maritime drone rescued the two crew members of the downed helicopter. This marks the first public acknowledgment by the US military of using such a drone in a rescue operation. President Trump had earlier posted on his Truth Social account that the US military informed him about the downing of an advanced Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stated that the two pilots were safe and unharmed but emphasized the necessity for the US to take appropriate action in response to the attack. US officials suggested that Iran used a drone to target the helicopter, though it remains unclear if the drone intentionally targeted the aircraft. Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the incident.
Following the downing of the helicopter, CENTCOM announced the US strike on Iran within hours. The incident has heightened tensions between the two nations.
