Tensions in the Middle East have surged again after US President Donald Trump said Iran shot down a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CNN, Trump said the helicopter was brought down during a patrol mission and declared that the United States “must, of necessity, respond” to the attack. The two pilots were rescued and were not injured.
US officials told CNN the aircraft was likely struck by an Iranian drone, possibly a Shahed model, though investigators are still determining whether the helicopter was deliberately targeted.
The incident comes amid fragile ceasefire efforts involving Iran and Israel, with fresh Israeli strikes reported in southern Lebanon.
CNN reported that the downing marks the first loss of an Apache helicopter since the conflict with Iran began, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
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