Large Explosions Rock Iran as US Fighter Jets Launch Strikes

The United States launched its latest strikes against Iran late Tuesday local time, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed, stating the attack was in retaliation for the downing of an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and a direct order from President Donald Trump. "American forces began conducting self-defence strikes against Iran at 5:00 p.m. ET today at the direction of the Commander in Chief, in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter yesterday," CENTCOM said in a social media post. "This mission is a proportional response to Iran’s unwarranted aggression." Multiple media outlets also reported explosions in Iran. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB captured footage of a large blast shaking the province near the Strait of Hormuz. Six explosions were heard in Qeshm near the Strait of Hormuz as Trump bombed Iran in a proportional response. Meanwhile, local media reported explosions at several locations in Hormozgan province, with some noting the presence of US fighter jets. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties or the extent of the damage from the latest strikes.