The U.S. military launched several rounds of strikes against Iran after a U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump blamed Tehran for the incident, which occurred off the coast of Oman. The two crew members were rescued in an unprecedented operation using a sea drone and are reported to be safe and uninjured. U.S. Central Command described the subsequent strikes as a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression, hitting multiple targets including ports and islands.
In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guards targeted a U.S. base in Jordan, a base in Bahrain, and 21 other targets across the Gulf, including Kuwait. While the U.S. military stated nearly all drones were intercepted, the exchange has strained a fragile ceasefire established in April. President Trump warned that Iran would pay the price for stalled negotiations, stating the U.S. would attack very hard if a peace deal is not finalized. Despite the escalation, Trump maintains that a meaningful agreement is close, while Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian affirmed that Tehran remains at the negotiating table.
Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least 14 people, including eight in the city of Tyre. Israel issued forced evacuation orders for Tyre, including its historic Christian quarter, for the first time as it continues its campaign against Hezbollah. Iran has warned that it will deliver crushing and decisive responses if the bombing of Lebanon continues. Meanwhile, Israeli forces reported apprehending two individuals near the border town of Kfarshuba.