The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The United States launched military strikes against Iran on Tuesday in response to the downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. Central Command.
According to the report, the strikes lasted several hours
and were carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump as a
self-defense measure. U.S. Central Command said the operation was a
“proportional response” to recent attacks on U.S. forces and commercial vessels
in the region.
U.S. officials said the military conducted three waves of
strikes targeting Iranian air defense systems, radar installations, and ground
control stations near the strategic waterway. Air Force and Navy fighter jets
used precision-guided munitions during the operation.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said
it launched a drone attack targeting the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Authorities in Bahrain warned residents to seek shelter, while Kuwait’s
military reported intercepting incoming threats.
The report said President Trump initially downplayed the
helicopter incident, stating earlier in the day that it “wasn’t a big deal” and
that the crew was not seriously injured. However, he later approved military
action following recommendations from senior defense officials.
U.S. officials said the Apache helicopter was likely struck
by an Iranian drone off the coast of Oman while conducting patrol operations.
Iran denied deliberately targeting the aircraft but acknowledged ongoing drone
activity in the region.
Despite uncertainty over whether the attack was intentional,
U.S. officials said it warranted a military response.
The incident highlights rising tensions in the Strait of
Hormuz, where both sides have engaged in repeated military actions. The downed
helicopter’s crew was rescued in a complex operation involving unmanned drone
vessels, marking a significant development in modern military rescue
capabilities.
