Iran Demands Foreign Forces Leave Strait of Hormuz, Warns of Crossfire Risk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged foreign forces to leave the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. Iran warned they face the risk of being caught in crossfire if they remain. “The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but is divided between Iran and Oman. Foreign forces near our territory always face risk due to their own human error, ordinary accidents, or the potential to be caught in crossfire,” Araghchi posted on X, as reported by AFP, Wednesday (10/6/2026). “To reduce risk, the best solution for them is to leave the location,” he added. It is known that a United States Apache helicopter crashed in the Iranian section of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the helicopter was shot down by Iran. The Apache helicopter is the second manned aircraft Washington confirmed was shot down by Iran during the Middle East war, following the loss of an F-15 fighter jet in April. The downing of the aircraft and the possible US response represent the latest in a series of threats to the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April, as the United States and Iran struggle to negotiate an end to the war. In a statement, Trump said he was informed “that last night Iran shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters while it was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz.” No crew members were injured. However, Trump said he would retaliate. “The United States must respond to this attack,” Trump said.