Overview
- U.S. Central Command reported that an AH‑64 Apache crashed near the Strait of Hormuz and that two crew were rescued and are in stable condition following a rescue operation.
- President Donald Trump publicly accused Iran of shooting down the helicopter and said the United States 'must' respond, framing the incident as a red line for U.S. forces.
- Centcom announced it carried out retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets in what it described as self‑defence after the helicopter was hit.
- Israel ordered a full evacuation of the southern Lebanese city of Tyre and carried out airstrikes there that Lebanese authorities say killed and wounded civilians.
- The episode comes as U.S. officials were pushing for a near‑term diplomatic deal with Iran and follows naval actions enforcing a U.S. blockade in the Gulf, leaving negotiations and the fragile ceasefire under acute strain.