The United States and Iran on Wednesday exchanged fresh strikes and warnings after a reported attack on a US Apache helicopter escalated tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, pushing fragile ceasefire efforts further into uncertainty.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had shot down a US Army Apache helicopter over the strategic waterway. He said two pilots were rescued by a US unmanned naval drone and were “safe and uninjured”, warning Tehran would “pay the price” for the attack.
In posts on Truth Social, Trump said Iran’s military was “a complete and total mess” and accused it of delaying negotiations, adding that Tehran had missed chances for a diplomatic settlement.
US launches retaliatory strikes
Following the alleged incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces carried out “self-defence strikes” against Iranian targets, calling it a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression”.
Explosions were reported across three locations near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor. Iranian media said US strikes damaged infrastructure, including water facilities, though authorities later said the situation was under control.
Iran claims counter-attacks
Iran responded by claiming missile and drone strikes on US-linked bases across the region, including in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. Several incoming projectiles were intercepted, according to regional authorities.
Also read: Will have to pay the price: Trump warns Iran after fresh clash
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would not leave any attack unanswered, while the foreign ministry said it was reviewing participation in ongoing negotiations following the escalation.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran must move beyond a “neither war nor peace” situation, indicating diplomacy still remained an option despite rising tensions.
Three Indians missing after tanker attack off Oman
Separately, India said three Indian nationals are missing after the commercial vessel Settebello, carrying 24 Indians, was attacked off the coast of Oman. Twenty-one crew members have been rescued, while search and rescue operations continue, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities.
Oil markets under pressure
The renewed confrontation has heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The US Energy Information Administration warned crude prices could remain elevated through July, with Brent projected to average around $105 per barrel amid supply risks.
The latest exchange of strikes has placed mounting pressure on an already fragile ceasefire framework, with fears of wider regional escalation if tensions continue to rise.
Follow us
