President Donald Trump said an Apache helicopter was shot down by Iran. He claimed that the crew members survived but that he would attack Iran in response.
“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,” the President wrote on Truth Social Tuesday. “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”
In response to the US and Israeli war against Iran, Tehran seized control of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says that the Strait is now split between Iranian and Omani territory. The White House has demanded that Tehran surrender control over the key waterway and allow it to become international waters.
The downing of the American aircraft comes as the ceasefire is on the brink of collapse. Tensions in the region significantly escalated when Israel bombed Beirut. The attack on Lebanon’s capital provoked Iran to attack Israel.
Trump attempted to de-escalate the strikes, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defied him and attacked Iran.
A drone boat rescued the crew of the Apache. The US has lost dozens of aircraft during the war against Iran, including drones, fighter jets, and refueling tankers.
