US Strikes Iran After Apache Helicopter Shot Down
Iranian forces shot down a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. The US then launched strikes against Iran in response.
Both pilots were rescued by an unmanned drone boat. President Trump directed the military to begin strikes at 10pm on Tuesday.
The strikes came after a ceasefire between the US and Iran announced in April. Iran's Foreign Minister warned that no US attack would go unanswered.
Iran then launched missiles and drones toward US targets in the region. Vice-President JD Vance said the US-Israel war on Iran could end in a week or a few months.
He made that statement hours before the strikes began. Vance also said a peace deal with Iran could come before midterms. Trump said a deal with Iran could be reached within days.
Klear Note — The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route between the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. About one-third of global oil passes through it daily.
Key Terms 5
- Apache helicopter A US military attack helicopter used in combat operations
- Strait of Hormuz A narrow sea passage between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
- ceasefire An agreement to stop fighting between two sides
- midterms US elections held halfway through a president's four-year term
- IRGC Iran's powerful military force that answers directly to its leaders