A US military Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway blockaded and controlled by the Iranian military. President Donald Trump confirmed that both US pilots are safe, though the cause of the accident remains unclear.
President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, after attending the NBA Finals basketball game, that "both pilots are safe, no one is injured, and the White House will issue an official report soon."
So far, neither the Department of Defense (the Pentagon) nor the US Central Command (CENTCOM) have disclosed the exact cause of the Apache helicopter crash, whether it was attacked by Iranian forces, suffered technical problems, or was due to weather conditions. This helicopter model is a key asset in US operations to blockade and intercept Iranian crude oil shipments, aiming to pressure Tehran to agree to a peace deal.
The incident occurred just one day after Iran and Israel announced a "temporary ceasefire" at the US's request, following their largest heavy weapons exchange. Iran launched missiles at Israel in retaliation for Hezbollah, then Israel responded by bombing Iran's air defense systems and missile-producing petrochemical plants. Iran counterattacked by striking industrial zones in Israel's Haifa city.
The US-Israel and Iran conflict, which escalated since late February, has severely impacted the global economy, causing energy prices to surge and raising the cost of essential goods and food worldwide. Iran continues to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for about one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Trump expressed confidence that the US is close to reaching a major agreement with Iran within two to three days, stating, "We are very close to a strong deal. If we chose to continue bombing for another two to three weeks, which we easily could, Iran would be devastated. But the Strait of Hormuz would be closed for months, and many people would die. I don't want that to happen."
Currently, negotiations mediated mainly by Pakistan remain stalled because the US demands Iran destroy all its high-enriched uranium stockpiles. Iran refuses and conditions lifting international sanctions, releasing billions in frozen assets, and recognition of Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Axios news agency reported that Trump directly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn that if Israel chose to start a full-scale war with Iran again, Israel might have to fight alone. Trump said, "BB (Netanyahu's nickname), you need to be careful, or you might soon find yourself fighting on your own." Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency cited military sources stating the Iranian army is prepared for a prolonged war and ready to attack US interests in the Middle East immediately if threatened.
Meanwhile, the situation in Lebanon remains critical. The Israeli military has urgently ordered civilians to evacuate Tyre, a southern port city, including Christian residential areas that had never before been attacked. Israel claims Hezbollah militants are hiding among Shiite refugees fleeing bombs to this area. Although the Lebanese army deployed forces to secure the Christian areas to confirm no armed groups are present, Israel insists it will soon begin operations to eliminate terrorist groups in the area.