US-Iran strikes intensified on Tuesday after Washington launched attacks on Iranian military and surveillance facilities in response to the downing of an American Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US military’s Central Command (Centcom), fighter jets targeted Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites close to the strategic waterway.
The strikes followed Monday’s incident in which an American Apache helicopter was brought down while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said both crew members survived and were rescued by an American sea drone.
President Donald Trump said the helicopter had been conducting patrol operations in the area when it was attacked.
“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”
Iran launches retaliatory attacks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by launching strikes against 21 targets linked to US military bases across the region.
The IRGC said attacks targeted facilities in Bahrain and Jordan, while Kuwait’s military reported intercepting an incoming attack.
Iran described the US operation as a “vicious” assault, while Washington characterised its military action as a “proportional response” to the helicopter incident.
Iranian authorities said US strikes hit the cities of Jask and Sirik, as well as Qeshm Island in the Gulf. The IRGC reported damage to a telecommunications tower and two water tanks.
Meanwhile, Bahraini authorities issued an air raid alert, stating that Iranian attacks had been repelled.
Conflicting accounts over helicopter attack
US officials said Iran used a drone to bring down the Apache helicopter. However, officials acknowledged it remains unclear whether the aircraft was deliberately targeted.
An unnamed US official told CBS News that the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation. Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the helicopter’s downing, according to reports from the semi-official Mehr News Agency.
Centcom announced that its military operation had concluded just over three hours after the first wave of strikes began.
Diplomatic tensions continue
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would respond to any future attacks.
“Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination,” Araghchi wrote on X.
He added that Iran would leave “no attack or threat unanswered” and urged foreign military forces to leave the region.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator in talks with Washington, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also signalled retaliation, stating that while Tehran preferred diplomacy, it was prepared to respond through other means.
Regional conflict threatens negotiations
The latest escalation comes as tensions remain high across the Middle East. Israeli forces carried out strikes in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, prompting warnings from Tehran that further Israeli attacks could trigger additional retaliation.
Israel and Iran had paused direct exchanges of fire following a ceasefire reached after weekend clashes, the first major confrontation between the two countries since April.
Trump urged both Israel and Iran to stop military actions immediately, warning that continued hostilities could derail negotiations aimed at ending the regional conflict.
Speaking to reporters, he said a potential agreement could be reached within days and suggested the Strait of Hormuz would reopen shortly afterwards.
“We’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal,” Trump said.
Also read: Iran and Israel warn of retaliation if ceasefire breached again
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