BREAKING: Trump says Iran shot down U.S. Apache Helicopter, vows American response

International, Middle East, North America

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter during a patrol mission over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Washington would respond to the incident.

Trump made the allegation in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, saying he had been briefed by the U.S. military on the development.

According to the President, the helicopter was brought down on Monday night while operating over the strategically important waterway.

“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,” Trump said.

He disclosed that the two pilots aboard the aircraft survived the incident without injuries.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he added.

The White House had not released additional details on the incident as of the time of filing this report, while there was no immediate response from Iranian authorities.

The claim comes amid heightened tensions between the United States, Iran, and Israel following recent military exchanges in the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, serving as a major corridor for global oil shipments and international trade.

The latest development is expected to further escalate tensions in the region and could have significant implications for relations between Washington and Tehran.

The incident also follows recent Israeli strikes on targets in Iran, which came after Tehran launched missile attacks against Israel, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.