US and Iran launch retaliatory airstrikes after helicopter downed, raising regional tensions

The United States has initiated military strikes against Iran, responding to the recent downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed these "self-defense strikes" began on Tuesday evening, calling them a "proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression." President Donald Trump explicitly blamed Iran for shooting down the helicopter on Monday and vowed a strong response.

Two U.S. pilots aboard the Apache helicopter were safely rescued by a drone boat following the incident and reported to be uninjured. Initial reports suggest an Iranian drone was responsible for striking the helicopter, though it remains unclear if the attack was intentional.

The strikes come amidst a volatile period, with existing tensions and a strained ceasefire in an ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel, which has significantly impacted the global economy. Iranian officials have, however, denied responsibility for the helicopter's downing.