The U.S. has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran after it said Iranian forces shot down an American Apache helicopter yesterday. President Donald Trump said the helicopter was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. Both American pilots were recovered safely.
According to a post from U.S. Central Command, the strikes were “in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter,” and “a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”
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Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. “must” respond to the attack, in a post on Truth Social. Central Command did not provide any details on the attack.
Iran reports explosions
According to CNBC, Iranian state media reported explosions on Tuesday evening in multiple areas around the strait. Iran’s state media said that Iran would respond to the attacks.
Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the helicopter, and no offensive military operations have been reported in the last 24 hours, CNBC reports.
The strikes further complicate ongoing peace negotiations. Trump previously said negotiators were close to a deal. Late Monday while visiting New York City for the NBA Finals game, Trump said they were close to finalizing a “very, very good deal.” He said he could sign the deal “in two or three days.”
Rescue mission
The Wall Street Journal reported that the two Apache pilots were rescued with a drone boat, in a first-of-its-kind operation at sea.
Central Command said the crash was under investigation on Tuesday. The Journal reported that Apache pilots fly low enough that it puts them at risk of Iranian drones that can fly across the strait.
