US Strikes Iran After Apache Helicopter Downed

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has commenced defensive strikes against Iran, a response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter by Iranian military fire the previous day. Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that residents in Sirik Port and surrounding villages heard several explosions in the area overnight. Fars news agency reported multiple explosions were heard in the eastern region of Hormozgan province, including in Kuhestak, Sirik, and Minab, adding that sources also reported air defence activity in parts of the province. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump played down the downing of the US helicopter, stating it was not a major issue. “The pilot is fine,” Trump said, adding that the details of the incident “are far different from what you think”. He did not elaborate further. The helicopter crew received medical treatment and is in stable condition. Trump had earlier posted on his Truth Social account that “the United States must, by necessity, respond to this attack”. Iran maintains the downing of the US Apache was an unintentional incident. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the strikes, telling the US to “leave our region if you want to be safe”. “Despite suffering defeats on the battlefield, the US chooses to test our resolve,” Araghchi wrote on X. “Our Powerful Armed Forces will not let attacks or threats go unanswered.”