US launches retaliatory strikes on Iran after Apache downing; Iran fires back with missiles and drones
The United States launched a series of precision strikes on Iranian military infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz after an American AH-64 Apache helicopter was shot down. Iran responded almost immediately with ballistic missiles and drones aimed at US installations in the Middle East, heightening regional tensions.
US retaliatory strikes
The United States launched a series of precision strikes on Iranian military infrastructure near the crucial Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, targeting air defense systems, command posts, and radar installations. The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, began at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (23:00 in Poland) under the auspices of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which described the action as a “proportional reaction to unjustified aggression.” The mission lasted approximately four hours and was characterized by Washington as self-defense following the shooting down of an American AH-64 Apache helicopter over the strait.
This is a reaction to what they did last night with our helicopter. I believe the response should be very firm, very strong, and that's exactly what it is.
A U.S. official told Fox News that ongoing strikes were targeting Iranian air defense systems and radar installations. Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in the country’s south.
Iran’s immediate retaliation
Iran’s response was almost immediate. In a sharp escalation, Tehran launched ballistic missiles and drones at U.S. military installations across the Middle East, significantly heightening the risk of a broader conflict. The exchange marks a direct confrontation between the two powers since the outbreak of hostilities involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran in late February.
Crew rescued after hours in the water
The AH-64 Apache, on patrol over the Strait of Hormuz, was shot down the night before the U.S. retaliation. Both pilots ejected and spent roughly two hours in the water before being rescued by a U.S. Navy maritime drone and transported to the coast of Oman. They suffered no injuries. It was the first Apache lost in the ongoing war; U.S. forces had previously lost around 30 drones and several fighter jets, according to CENTCOM.
Strategic chokepoint and shifting diplomacy
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil exports flows, has once again become a flashpoint. The helicopter’s downing and subsequent military exchange underscore the volatility of the region. Hours before ordering the strikes, Trump had suggested that the two sides could be close to a diplomatic breakthrough, possibly within two or three days. His firm tone after the incident reflects a rapid reversion to the confrontational posture that has characterized U.S.-Iran relations since February.
- Iranian forces shoot down a US AH-64 Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz; two crew eject and are rescued after two hours by a US Navy maritime drone and transported to Oman.
- CENTCOM begins self-defense strikes against Iranian air defense systems, command posts, and radar installations near the Strait of Hormuz, under Trump's order.
- US military concludes the four-hour operation, describing it as limited and proportional.
- Iran launches ballistic missiles and drones at US military installations across the Middle East, sharply raising the risk of further escalation.
