The United States has launched a series of military strikes against Iran following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, marking a fresh escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression” and targeted Iranian air defence and radar installations.
President Donald Trump had earlier vowed retaliation after accusing Tehran of bringing down the helicopter during a patrol mission.
According to U.S. officials, the two crew members aboard the aircraft were rescued safely and are in stable condition. Reports indicated that an unmanned naval drone played a key role in the rescue operation.
Iranian authorities have not officially accepted responsibility for the incident, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggesting that foreign military forces operating close to Iranian territory face risks of accidents and crossfire.
Tehran, however, warned that any attack on its territory could trigger further retaliation.
The latest exchange has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and cast fresh doubts over ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
Analysts say the renewed confrontation could threaten stability in the Gulf and disrupt global energy markets.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, further deepening concerns over security in the Middle East.
