The United States launched what it described as "self-defense strikes" against Iranian targets on Tuesday evening, following the downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz a day earlier.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the operation, which began at approximately 5 p.m.
ET at the direction of President Donald Trump, calling it a "proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression."
President Trump confirmed on Truth Social that Iran had shot down the Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that both pilots were safe and uninjured, but emphasized that the United States "must, of necessity, respond to this attack." ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl reported that he was on the phone with Trump when CENTCOM announced the retaliatory strikes.
Trump told Karl that it was "very important" for the U.S. to respond, adding, "This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is."
CENTCOM has not publicly released details about the specific targets hit, and the extent of damage was not immediately known. The command has previously described similar actions as defensive operations aimed at protecting U.S.
forces and deterring future attacks. The latest military action comes amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S.
and Iran. In recent weeks, U.S.
forces have conducted multiple strikes on Iranian military assets, including radar installations and drone command sites, which officials said posed threats to American personnel and regional security.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had expressed renewed optimism about negotiations with Iran, despite fresh tensions. He told reporters that there was "a good chance" of signing a deal in "two or three days," though he also acknowledged the possibility of further bombing.
"If we go and bomb — which we could do very easily if we want, and we spend another two or three weeks bombing — they'll have nothing left whatsoever. But you won't have the strait open for months," Trump said.
He added, "If we do the bombing, you know, a lot of people are going to be killed. Who wants to do that?"
Mediators, led predominantly by Pakistan, have spent weeks trying to broker a broader agreement, though major differences remain between Washington and Tehran. The U.S.
wants Iran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which is believed to remain inside the country following American airstrikes during the 12-day war in 2025. Iran has rejected that demand and is instead seeking sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before a final agreement is reached.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Monday that Trump's statements on a potential deal "contradicted the agreed-upon sections," suggesting the U.S. was not seriously pursuing either a ceasefire or negotiations.
Broader regional security concerns also continue to shape the talks. The ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah remains a key issue for Iran and its allies.
Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal traveled to Pakistan on Tuesday and met with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has played a prominent role in recent diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, thanked Iran on Tuesday for attacking Israel "in defense of our Lebanese people," and suggested Beirut should use the moment to strengthen ties with Tehran.