U.S. launches strikes against Iran following Apache helicopter crash
On June 9, 2026, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched what it described as proportional self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET. This military action was in response to the reported downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter during a patrol in the Strait of Hormuz. While President Donald Trump stated the two pilots were rescued unharmed, Iranian state media reported explosions in Sirik and on Qeshm Island. Separately, President Trump continued to claim that a diplomatic agreement with Iran is imminent, despite multiple previous unfulfilled predictions of a deal since April 2026. Tensions have also flared between Israel and Iran, with Netanyahu's recent strikes following a previous exchange of fire. President Trump maintained that Israel's recent attack on Iran was underway before he could influence the timing of the strike. The situation remains fluid as military maneuvers and diplomatic negotiations overlap in the region.