US launches retaliatory strikes on Iran after helicopter downing
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
The US began striking Iran on the night of June 10 (Kyiv time). The reason was that earlier on Monday, the Iranians shot down a US Apache helicopter, according to a post by US Central Command on social media platform X, The New York Times, and ABC News.
"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter," the post reads.
The command emphasized that the mission is an appropriate response to unjustified Iranian aggression.
Meanwhile, the NYT writes that explosions and warning sirens were heard in several locations along Iran's Persian Gulf coast, including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirag. It is reported that Sirag and Qeshm were hit multiple times, but no further details are available yet.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump gave a short interview to ABC News. This happened just before the Command announced the attack on Iran.
"I think it's very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak. I believe in responding in a strong manner. I always have throughout my life. And we have a deal that was very good, and probably will [still be]. This is a response to what they did they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is," Trump said.
"U.S. forces attacked several Iranian air defense systems and radar systems around the Strait of Hormuz," wrote Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing a US official.
Updated at 01:24
At the same time, Fox News reports that the strikes are still ongoing.
Updated at 01:30
The IRGC stated that Iran launched missiles and drones at targets in the United States and the Middle East, according to CNN.
What preceded this
On Tuesday, June 9, US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran on a deal were already in the final stages. He suggested that it could be concluded in the coming days.
However, later that same day, he reported that on Monday evening, Iran shot down a US Apache helicopter. According to CNN, the helicopter was downed by a Shahed-type drone.
For this reason, Trump promised that the US would respond to the incident.
