Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States would respond after an American Apache attack helicopter was allegedly shot down by Iranian forces while patrolling near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had been briefed by the US military about the incident, claiming that Iran brought down a “highly sophisticated Apache helicopter” during a patrol mission. He added that both pilots survived and were rescued safely.
“The United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump said, signaling possible retaliatory action against Tehran.
NOW: Iran shot down a highly sophisticated U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz confirmed by President Trump.
#BREAKING | Iran downs Apache, Trump vows response
U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran downed Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz@kripatistic has more on this pic.twitter.com/y4SW4mGCxH
— WION (@WIONews) June 9, 2026
President Trump says United States will respond to this attack. 👏The world watches as the U.S. prepares its next move—the response will be… pic.twitter.com/NhmTj0sQA2
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) June 9, 2026
US Military Yet to Confirm Iranian Role
Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that an AH-64 Apache helicopter went down near the coast of Oman at around 3 a.m. local time while operating in regional waters.
However, the military did not disclose the cause of the crash and has not officially confirmed Trump’s assertion that the aircraft was shot down by Iran.
Tensions Rise Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The incident comes at a sensitive time as Washington continues efforts to secure a broader agreement with Tehran aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.
Any confirmed Iranian involvement could further complicate diplomatic negotiations and raise concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies passes.
The latest episode is expected to intensify scrutiny of US-Iran relations and could trigger fresh military and diplomatic developments in the region.
