"US must respond": Trump after Iran "shoots down" Apache helicopter patrolling over Strait of Hormuz
Washington, DC, June 10
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that an Iranian strike claimed to have downed a US Apache helicopter patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that both pilots were safe and uninjured, and warned that Washington would "respond" to the attack.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president wrote, "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. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
His remarks came amid a fresh escalation of hostilities involving strikes between Iran and Israel, including attacks on an Iranian petrochemical facility and reported targeting of Israeli military bases.
As this happened, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that foreign military forces operating near the Strait of Hormuz should leave the area or remain "at constant risk". This comes following Trump's claim that Iran shot down a US Army Apache helicopter near the coast of Oman.
Araghchi said foreign troops in the region face ongoing danger due to possible human error, accidents, or being caught in crossfire.
He added that the safest option would be for them to withdraw, stressing that while Iran prefers diplomacy, it is capable of responding in other ways if needed.
"Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire. To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave. We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too," Araghchi said in a post on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Looks like Trump loves making big statements, but the real question is—was the Apache really in international airspace or was it near Iranian territory? 😕 The Strait of Hormuz is narrow and sensitive. Two pilots survived, that's good news. But "responding" without clarity could spark a wider conflict. Not good for anyone.
Typical Trump—dramatic press release, but where’s the context? If Iran really shot down a US military chopper, it’s a big deal, but I’d wait for independent verification. Iran has every right to defend its airspace. The US Navy patrols the Gulf like it’s their backyard. India should avoid taking sides and protect our energy security. 🇮🇳
I’m glad the pilots are safe! But honestly, this whole situation feels like a repeat of the US-Iran tensions from a few years ago. The Strait of Hormuz is essentially the world’s petrol pump. This is a major risk for India’s fuel imports. I hope the Indian government is quietly working behind the scenes to ensure stability.
Both sides are playing with fire. Iran’s foreign minister said they prefer diplomacy, but also “speak other languages.” That’s a veiled threat. Responding with force might make things worse. The US should use diplomatic channels. India has good relations with both US and Iran—we can be a mediator, but we must tread carefully.
Trump says "respond to this attack" without any UN or international backing? That’s worrying. Iran’s
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