US Strikes Iran After Apache Downing, Iran Hits Back at Bases

The downing of a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz triggered direct military exchanges between the United States and Iran, raising the risk of broader disruption to global oil shipments through the vital waterway. Two pilots were rescued after roughly two hours in the water by an unmanned vessel supported by drones and fighters, according to US Central Command.

US forces responded on June 9 with strikes lasting about four hours that targeted Iranian air defenses, ground-control stations and radar sites near the strait. CENTCOM described the action as a proportional self-defense measure ordered by President Trump after the helicopter incident. Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran had taken too long to negotiate and would have to pay the price, adding that its military was in disarray.

Iran launched missiles and drones early on June 10 at US-linked facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Iranian state media and the Revolutionary Guards claimed strikes on specific bases including al-Azraq in Jordan and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters. Jordan reported intercepting five missiles, Kuwait said its defenses engaged hostile targets, and Bahrain issued air-raid alerts. US officials told Reuters that nearly all Iranian projectiles were intercepted with no reported US casualties.

The exchanges occurred against the backdrop of a fragile April ceasefire and stalled talks aimed at reopening the strait and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Trump had previously expressed optimism about a deal within days, while Vice President JD Vance said any agreement could come in a week or several months. Oil futures rose after the events, with US crude up nearly 2 percent.

China and Russia urged both sides to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that foreign forces near Iranian territory remained at risk and stated a preference for diplomacy while noting other options exist. No independent confirmation of damage from either side's strikes has been released.