The United States Central Command has initiated airstrikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of an American Apache helicopter. The military action began at 5:00 PM Eastern Time today, as confirmed by a statement on social media.
Central Command emphasized that the strikes are a measure of self-defense and a direct response to what they termed as unwarranted aggression from Iran.
This escalation follows an incident on June 9, when President Donald Trump reported that Iranian forces shot down the Apache helicopter while it was conducting patrols over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump indicated that the U.S. would need to respond to this act, although he noted that the two pilots aboard the helicopter were unharmed.
The U.S. has launched airstrikes against Iran in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter, marking a significant escalation in military tensions. Central Command's actions are framed as self-defense against Iranian aggression, following a recent incident reported by President Trump.