The United States has launched what it described as “self-defence strikes” against Iran following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, CENTCOM said American forces began carrying out strikes at 5 pm Eastern Time under the direction of the Commander in Chief. The military described the operation as a proportional response to what it termed “unjustified Iranian aggression”.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 9, 2026

The development marks a sharp escalation in tensions in the region amid the ongoing exchange of strikes involving Iran and Israel.

CENTCOM Announces Military Response

According to CENTCOM, the strikes were launched a day after an Apache helicopter operating in the region was brought down.

“U.S. Central Command forces began launching self-defence strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” the command said in its statement.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he had been informed by the military that an Iranian attack had shot down a highly advanced Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said both pilots survived the incident without injuries but stressed that the United States would respond.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump wrote.

Regional Tensions Continue To Rise

The latest developments come against the backdrop of increasing hostilities in West Asia, including reported attacks between Iran and Israel.

Recent exchanges have included strikes on an Iranian petrochemical facility and reports of attacks targeting Israeli military installations, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, has emerged once again as a flashpoint amid the heightened tensions.

Iran Warns Foreign Forces Operating Near Its Territory

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a warning to foreign military forces operating close to Iran, saying they remained vulnerable to accidents, human errors or being caught in crossfire.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the best way to reduce risks was for foreign forces to leave the region.

“Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire. To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave. We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too,” he said.

The latest exchange of threats and military action has added to concerns over stability in the Gulf region, with global attention focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation.

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