Iran's foreign minister says US helicopter may have been caught in 'crossfire', urges foreign forces to leave

The incident

A US AH-64 Apache helicopter went down off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. Two American officials told CNN the helicopter was hit by an Iranian drone, with one source specifying a Shahed-type drone. Both crew members were rescued by an unmanned vessel, the US military announced on Tuesday. One official said it remains unclear whether the drone targeted the Apache intentionally or whether the downing was accidental.

Trump's accusation

President Donald Trump directly accused Iran of shooting down the helicopter and stated that "the United States must, necessarily, respond to this attack," according to Greek reports. His statement signalled a possible US reaction and raised tensions sharply in the hours after the incident.

Araghchi's response

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X without explicitly mentioning the Apache. He wrote that foreign forces operating near Iranian territory face constant risk from their own human errors, simple accidents, or the possibility of finding themselves "in the middle of crossfire." He added that "to reduce the risk, the best solution is for them to withdraw."

Foreign forces operating near our territory are constantly at risk due to their own human errors, simple accidents, or the possibility of finding themselves in the middle of crossfire. To reduce the risk, the best solution is for them to withdraw.

The Strait of Hormuz status

Araghchi also challenged the legal status of the waterway, stating that the Strait of Hormuz "does not constitute international waters" but is shared between Iran and Oman, "thousands of miles from American shores." He said Iran's armed forces remain on constant alert for any violation of Iranian airspace, territory, or waters.

The Strait of Hormuz does not constitute international waters but is shared between Iran and Oman, being thousands of miles away from American shores. The maritime borders are absolutely clear.

Diplomatic warning

Araghchi concluded with a dual message: Iran prefers diplomacy but is prepared to respond with force if necessary. "We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we also speak other languages," he wrote, a formulation carried by all four Greek outlets covering the exchange. The foreign minister urged foreign forces to leave "as soon as possible, from a region that will never be hospitable to a hostile presence."

Iran prefers the language of diplomacy. However, as our brave warriors have shown the world, we also know how to speak other languages.