U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran After Helicopter Incident Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States military has launched strikes against Iran following the crash of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter off the coast of Oman, escalating tensions between the two countries.

In a statement posted on social media, U.S. Central Command described the attacks as “a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.” The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of shooting down the helicopter and vowed that Washington would respond.

“Military officials told me the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters,” Trump said, adding that the two service members on board were rescued safely and were uninjured.

“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

Iran rejected the accusation. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said foreign military forces operating near Iranian territory face inherent risks.

“Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire,” Araghchi said. “To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave.”

According to U.S. Central Command, the helicopter went down during a patrol near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The two aviators were rescued in what U.S. officials described as the first known drone-led rescue operation at sea conducted by the American military. A drone boat located and recovered the service members before they were transferred to a helicopter.

The latest incident has further strained a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, with both sides exchanging fire in recent days. Efforts to secure a broader agreement to end hostilities have so far failed, despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Trump had earlier expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran, saying there was a “good chance” of an agreement within days. However, major disagreements remain, including Iran’s uranium stockpile, sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.

The conflict, which intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has continued to impact global energy markets and regional security, while raising concerns over the risk of a wider war in the Middle East.