{"id":36200,"date":"2026-06-10T09:07:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T06:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=36200"},"modified":"2026-06-10T09:07:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T06:07:44","slug":"us-launches-strikes-on-iran-after-apache-helicopter-downed-near-strait-of-hormuz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/us-launches-strikes-on-iran-after-apache-helicopter-downed-near-strait-of-hormuz\/","title":{"rendered":"US launches strikes on Iran after Apache helicopter downed near Strait of Hormuz"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>5 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The United States launched a series of strikes against Iran on June 9, 2026, after an American AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fresh escalation between the two countries and threatening a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since April.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes were a response to what he described as an Iranian attack on the helicopter, which had been conducting a patrol mission over the strategically important waterway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American fighter jets carried out precision strikes against Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CENTCOM said the operation was a &#8220;proportional response&#8221; to recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial shipping in regional waters. The military later announced that the mission had been completed after several hours of operations.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&quot;I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/yMGXqG89ax\">pic.twitter.com\/yMGXqG89ax<\/a><\/p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/WhiteHouse\/status\/2064388175473115336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Iranian officials said the strikes hit areas near the southern coastal cities of Jask and Sirik, as well as Qeshm Island in the Gulf. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported damage to a telecommunications tower and two water storage facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Trump said the Apache helicopter had been patrolling the Strait of Hormuz when it was brought down. &#8220;There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,&#8221; Trump wrote on social media. &#8220;Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was present when Trump decided to authorize the strikes. &#8220;We lament that it became necessary,&#8221; Johnson said. &#8220;We&#8217;re gonna have to take care of this business.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Helicopter Incident Under Investigation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">U.S. officials said the Apache helicopter crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone near the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials stressed that it remains unclear whether the collision was intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Trump initially said the aircraft had been shot down, official military statements have described the incident as being under investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iran has not publicly claimed responsibility for the helicopter&#8217;s loss. Reports from Iranian media said Tehran had not acknowledged any role in the incident. The helicopter crashed off the coast of Oman during an early-morning patrol mission.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"609\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?resize=1016%2C609&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"U.S. Army AH-64 Apache\" class=\"wp-image-14995\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?resize=1024%2C614&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?resize=768%2C461&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/US-Army-AH-64-Apache-attack-helicopter.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two crew members were later rescued in what the U.S. military described as the first known sea rescue conducted using an unmanned surface vessel. A drone boat known as the Corsair located the aviators after they spent approximately two hours in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Iran Launches Regional Retaliation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the American strikes, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military facilities in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IRGC said it targeted 21 locations associated with American forces, including facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. Iranian officials also claimed attacks against targets in Kuwait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuwait&#8217;s military said its air defense systems were engaging &#8220;hostile aerial targets&#8221; in accordance with operational procedures, without immediately providing further details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jordan&#8217;s armed forces said they intercepted and destroyed five incoming missiles that were reportedly aimed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a facility that has hosted U.S. F-35 fighter aircraft and other military assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jordanian authorities reported no casualties and said explosives specialists examined debris from the intercepted missiles. Iranian media reported that the attacks targeted military infrastructure, including aircraft shelters and command-and-control facilities. U.S. officials said nearly all missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An air raid alert was also issued in Bahrain, where local authorities later said Iranian attacks had been repelled.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?resize=1016%2C572&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Iran's IRGC missile systems\" class=\"wp-image-34825\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Iran-missile-systems.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Iran&#8217;s IRGC missile systems on maneuver in northwestern Iran, on October 17, 2022. (Image Credit: IRGC\/via X)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Iran Warns US Against Further Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would continue responding to military action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Iran will leave no attack or threat unanswered,&#8221; Araghchi wrote on social media. He also urged foreign military forces to leave the region. &#8220;Leave our region if you want to be safe,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Araghchi added that foreign military deployments near Iran&#8217;s borders remained at constant risk due to potential accidents, operational mistakes, or becoming caught in broader military confrontations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iran&#8217;s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also signaled retaliation. &#8220;We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we&#8217;ll switch to what we speak best,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Ceasefire Under Growing Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest exchange of attacks has further strained a ceasefire that was announced in April following months of conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incident came only days after renewed exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel raised concerns about the durability of the truce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the helicopter incident, Trump had expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Tehran and said a new agreement could potentially be reached within days. &#8220;We&#8217;re very close to having a very, very good, strong, powerful deal,&#8221; Trump said earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"370\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg?resize=690%2C370&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Strait of Hormuz in the background with U.S. President Trump, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and the U.S. and Iranian flags\" class=\"wp-image-35069\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg?w=690&amp;ssl=1 690w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Iran-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpg?resize=300%2C161&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>The Strait of Hormuz in the background with U.S. President Trump, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and the U.S. and Iranian flags. (Image Credit: NASA\/GDFC\/Reuters\/Evelyn Hockstein\/Tasnim News Agency\/Wikimedia Commons\/via IRIA)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the latest military escalation has cast uncertainty over diplomatic efforts and raised concerns about broader regional instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world&#8217;s most important energy and shipping routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Washington and Tehran have described their latest military actions as defensive responses, but the exchange marks one of the most serious confrontations between the two sides since the ceasefire took effect earlier this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The United States launched a series of strikes against Iran on June 9, 2026, after an American AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fresh escalation between the two countries and threatening a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since April.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36203,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[44,1,125],"tags":[677,75,6,295,30,993,26,356,5,1023,702,7,128],"class_list":["post-36200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-middle-east","category-news","category-united-states","tag-centcom","tag-conflict","tag-defense","tag-helicopter","tag-iran","tag-irgc","tag-israel","tag-middle-east","tag-military","tag-strait-of-hormuz","tag-trump","tag-u-s","tag-war"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/US-Apache-Helicopter.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-9pS","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36200"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36206,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36200\/revisions\/36206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}