US launches retaliatory strikes against Iran following helicopter downing

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Tuesday that its forces have initiated "self-defense" strikes against Iranian targets. In a statement, the CENTCOM noted that the operation, directed by US President Donald Trump, commenced at 5:00 PM Washington time (21:00 GMT). It affirmed that the military action serves as a proportionate response to Iran's unjustified aggression, following the downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The strikes were launched hours after President Trump explicitly held Tehran accountable for targeting the aircraft and vowed swift retaliation. CENTCOM previously confirmed that the helicopter's crew members were successfully rescued and are in stable condition off the Omani coast near the Strait of Hormuz following the incident.