On the 10th of June, local time, the United States and Iran resumed military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, exchanging retaliatory attacks following the crash of a U.S. Apache helicopter, according to CNN. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched missiles and drones at U.S. targets in the region. In response to the U.S. conducting retaliatory airstrikes against Iran for the downed helicopter, Iran immediately retaliated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of further retaliation on X (formerly Twitter), stating that any attack would be met with certain retribution. He mentioned that, despite the U.S.’s previous defeat, they decided to test Iran’s resolve, suggesting that the U.S. should leave the region if they seek safety, drawing attention to historical records of invading forces’ unfortunate fates in the Persian Gulf.
Previously, on the 8th, the U.S. claimed the Apache helicopter was shot down by Iranian forces and subsequently struck several locations in the Strait of Hormuz in self-defense. According to Iranian semi-official Mehr News Agency, explosions were heard in the southern coastal cities of Sirik, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm near the Strait of Hormuz, though no attacks were confirmed inland.
President Donald Trump, in a phone call with an ABC News reporter, reportedly stated his belief in strong and forceful retaliation, which he described as appropriate. Trump also mentioned that the Apache helicopter was shot down by an Iranian drone while patrolling the Strait, and both pilots were safely rescued. He indicated on social media platform Truth Social that the U.S. was compelled to respond to the attack.
[Photo Credit: AP=Yonhap News / Provided by U.S. Navy]