The United States carried out strikes inside Iran on Tuesday, following President Donald Trump’s statement that an American Apache helicopter had been shot down by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has added tension to ongoing diplomatic efforts and heightened risks for the existing ceasefire.
Iranian state outlets reported that the strikes targeted Qeshm island, as well as a confirmed projectile impact in the port city of Sirik, also in the Strait of Hormuz. Residents in the nearby city of Bandar Abbas reported hearing explosions, with further blasts reported in Jask county near the mouth of the strait, according to Iranian media citing local witnesses.
In response to the strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on social media that Iran would respond to any attacks or threats against the country. In a separate message, Araqchi warned that the presence of foreign militaries in the region increased the potential for inadvertent confrontations, though he did not specifically reference the downed helicopter.
President Trump confirmed that neither of the two U.S. pilots on board the helicopter was injured. According to an unnamed U.S. official, the helicopter was brought down after being struck by an Iranian drone.
The developments prompted a rebound in oil markets, with Brent crude rising by 1.08% to $92.44 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate increasing by 1% to $89.09 per barrel.
