US Strikes Iran After Apache Helicopter Downed

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that it has begun launching self-defence attacks against Iran. They added that the strikes are a response to the crash of a US Army Apache helicopter, which was shot down by the Iranian military yesterday.

The Iranian news agency Mehr reported that residents and sources in the Port of Sirik and surrounding villages heard several explosions in the area tonight.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported that several explosions were heard in the eastern region of Hormozgan province, including in Kuhestak, Sirik, and Minab. Sources also reported air defence activity in several parts of the province, they added.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump downplayed the crash of the US helicopter, stating that it was not a major issue. “The pilot is fine,” Trump said, adding that the details of the incident were “far different from what you think”.

He did not provide further explanation. The helicopter crew received medical treatment and are in stable condition. Previously, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that “the United States must, out of necessity, respond to this attack”.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities stated that the crash of the US Apache was due to an unintentional incident.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the attacks on Iran, telling the US to “leave our territory if you want to be safe”.

“Despite suffering defeats on the battlefield, the US chooses to test our resolve,” Araghchi wrote on X. “Our strong Armed Forces will not allow attacks or threats to go unanswered.”