President Donald Trump has accused Iran of shooting down a US Army Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and said the United States needs to respond to the incident.
The aircraft crash occurred on the night of Monday, June 8, during a patrol in regional waters off the coast of Oman. The two crew members spent about two hours in the water before being rescued.
The rescue was carried out by an unmanned US Navy boat, in an operation considered unprecedented at sea. The Saronic Corsair vessel, operated by Task Force 59, located and collected the soldiers, who were in stable condition.
Trump demands American response
Trump released the information in a post on social media, where he confirmed that the two pilots are “safe and uninjured”. “The Iranians shot down one of our sophisticated Apache helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. The United States must, by necessity, respond to this attack,” he wrote.
The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire between those involved in the conflict in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil transport, has been the scene of frequent tensions, with blockades and naval clashes.
Historic rescue operation
Central Command (Centcom) reported that the rescue was supported by naval forces, the 82nd Airborne Division and other units. The naval drone allowed rapid action, preventing Iranian forces from approaching.
This was the first time the US used an unmanned surface vehicle to rescue aircraft crew at sea, highlighting the advancement of unmanned technologies in the region.
The Apache helicopter is one of the main platforms used by the US for patrols and naval blockade operations against Iran. Its loss adds to a list of US aircraft destroyed or damaged during the current conflict.
Context of tensions in Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains under heavy surveillance, with the US maintaining a blockade on Iranian oil exports. American authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the crash, but Trump attributed it directly to Iran. Tehran did not confirm immediate involvement.
The episode could complicate negotiations for a more lasting agreement, which Trump said was close to being reached.