WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of shooting down an American Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and vowed that the United States would respond to the incident.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Trump said he had been informed by the U.S. military that Iranian forces brought down the helicopter while it was conducting a patrol mission over the strategically important waterway.
“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
The U.S. president added that Washington would respond to the attack.
“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump said.
Later reports indicated that the two pilots aboard the AH-64 Apache were safely rescued and did not suffer injuries. U.S. Central Command said the crew was recovered during a rescue operation after the helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and has raised fresh concerns about stability in the Gulf region and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
While Trump directly blamed Iran for the downing of the helicopter, some earlier reports had indicated that U.S. officials were still examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest development comes as efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire in the region following months of military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
