Trump Accuses Iran of Downing US Helicopter—Vows Response

President Donald Trump claimed that an Iranian missile shot down a US Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. Two crew members were recovered by a US sea drone, according to US Central Command.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack." The president urged Iran and Israel to halt hostilities to prevent further escalation of the regional conflict.

Iranian media acknowledged the incident but did not claim responsibility, and Tehran has yet to respond to the president’s remarks. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry warned that foreign forces near its borders are at constant risk, calling for all such forces to leave the zone.

The situation comes amid Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon, which Tehran said could trigger further retaliation. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf signaled possible retaliation on social media.

The downed helicopter was initially rescued at 19:33 EDT (23:33 GMT) on Monday. The rescue effort involved the US Naval Forces Central Command, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the US 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59. An unmanned surface drone transported the aircrew to a secondary location before being lifted aboard a helicopter.

If Trump’s call for a response is acted upon, it could further destabilise the fragile ceasefire that has held since the April truce. Yet the president, urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran, also said a deal closing the war could be reached within two or three days, with the Strait of Hormuz reopening soon after.