The U.S. military struck Iranian air defense and radar installations across the Strait of Hormuz region beginning at 5pm ET Tuesday, escalating tensions after an American helicopter was shot down the day before. Both pilots of the Army AH-64 Apache were rescued and reported in stable condition.
A U.S. investigation determined that an Iranian drone struck the helicopter, causing it to crash near the strategic waterway. Officials could not confirm whether the strike was intentional.
President Trump said the U.S. "must, of necessity, respond" to Monday's downing and promised the strikes would be "very powerful." CENTCOM characterized the operation as proportional and targeted Iranian air defense systems specifically.
The exchange marks a dangerous moment as Trump pursues negotiations to end the broader regional conflict. Military back-and-forth carries risks of further escalation.
Iran's state media reported explosions in Hormozgan province on the Strait of Hormuz, including on Qeshm Island. The Tasnim News Agency rejected the U.S. account of Monday's incident, calling it a pretext, and vowed a "decisive response."
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that "foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk" from accidents or crossfire and said Iran preferred diplomacy but "speak other languages too." He posted on X that the military "will leave no attack or threat unanswered" and told foreign powers to "leave our region if you want to be safe."
Author James Rodriguez: "Two salvos traded in 24 hours over the Strait of Hormuz is exactly how regional flare-ups become something bigger, and Trump's simultaneous pursuit of a deal makes this calculus far more delicate."
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