US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on the social media platform X that American forces had begun conducting what it described as ‘defensive strikes’ against Iran.
Citing a US official, Axios reported that the strikes targeted Iranian radar and air defense systems in areas surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, in order to degrade Tehran's surveillance and defensive capabilities along the strategically important maritime corridor.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he had been informed of the Apache downing and that the United States "must respond to the attack." Axios quoted a US official as saying that an ongoing investigation had yet to determine whether Iran had intentionally targeted the Apache helicopter.
Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. Explosions were also reported on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important location for global energy shipments.
