TEHRAN : The United States has launched defensive strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a US military Apache helicopter patrolling the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. The attacks mark a significant escalation in already explosive tensions between the two adversaries.
According to Iranian state media, explosions were heard across multiple locations in southern Iran, including the eastern regions of Hormozgan province. A missile attack was reported in the coastal city of Sirik, while the Iranian island of Qeshm was also struck. Explosions further echoed in Bandar Abbas, a major port and military hub.
CENTCOM stated that the strikes were defensive in nature, directly responding to yesterday’s downing of the American helicopter. A US news website, citing officials, reported that the targets included a radar and air defense system positioned near the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed that Iran shot down the Apache, posting on his social media platform that although both pilots were safe, “America must still respond to this attack.”
In a swift reaction, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the attacks “will be responded to with full force.” Iranian state media added that reports were emerging of Iran targeting US assets with missiles and drones, though no independent verification was immediately available. State media later described the situation in southern Iran as “satisfactory” following the attacks.
