The United States has carried out strikes on Iranian air defence and surveillance infrastructure following the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted “self-defence strikes” targeting air defence systems, ground control stations and radar sites close to the strategic waterway on Tuesday. The operation followed the loss of an Apache helicopter that was shot down while patrolling waters near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
US President Donald Trump, speaking during a call with ABC News, said Washington was responding to the incident as it unfolded, stressing the need for retaliation. Earlier comments from Trump suggested the downing was “not a big deal”, while confirming that the helicopter crew had been rescued.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would respond to the strikes, accusing Washington of testing its military resolve. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) later claimed it had launched retaliatory attacks on US-linked military positions in Bahrain and Jordan, although these claims were not independently verified at the time of reporting.
The incident comes amid already heightened tensions in the Gulf region following earlier exchanges involving Iran and Israel, which had briefly agreed a ceasefire in April. Despite the truce, both sides have continued to warn that renewed hostilities remain possible if further attacks occur.
CENTCOM said its response was limited to defensive measures, but regional observers fear the latest exchange could further destabilise maritime security around one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
