A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed early Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that Iran has effectively closed amid ongoing conflict.
President Donald Trump confirmed the incident, stating that both crew members were rescued and are in stable condition. The crash occurred around 3:30 a.m.
local time off the coast of Oman during a routine patrol, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command.
The crew was rescued within two hours and reported no injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Apache helicopters have been a key asset for the U.S.
military in enforcing a blockade on Iranian crude oil shipments, part of efforts to pressure Tehran into a diplomatic resolution. The United Arab Emirates has also used similar helicopters to shoot down Iranian drones during the ongoing Iran war.
The crash comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following a recent exchange of fire between Iran and Israel that further strained the fragile ceasefire. Iranian state television reported that Israeli attacks killed at least two members of Iran's air defense units.
Since the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, the conflict has disrupted global energy markets, driving up prices and increasing the cost of basic goods.
President Trump, speaking to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after attending the NBA Finals, expressed renewed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran.
"We have a good chance" of signing an agreement in "two or three days," he said, though he provided no specifics. Mediators, led by Pakistan, have struggled to bridge gaps, with the U.S.
demanding Iran give up its enriched uranium stockpile and Iran seeking sanctions relief and frozen asset releases.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to escalate. The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for the southern port city of Tyre, including its Christian quarter, which had previously been spared.
The Lebanese army deployed to the area to prevent Israeli attacks and demonstrate that Hezbollah has no armed presence there. Hezbollah thanked Iran for attacking Israel in defense of Lebanese people, urging the Lebanese government to improve ties with Tehran.
Lebanon's army chief, General Rodolphe Haykal, traveled to Pakistan on Tuesday to meet with Field Marshal Asim Munir, a key mediator in Iran-U.S. talks.
The visit underscores Lebanon's growing frustration with Hezbollah's influence, though the government remains unable to disarm the militia.