Trump threatens response after US helicopter goes down near Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump said he would respond militarily after accusing Iran of bringing down an American Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, in a further escalation at a time of fragile ceasefire efforts and continuing talks over regional tensions.

Trump said he had been told the helicopter was on patrol over the Strait of Hormuz when it was hit. He said the crew survived without injuries after a naval drone rescue operation near the coast of Oman. Earlier, the US military's Central Command said the AH-64 Apache went down at around 3am local time on Tuesday near Oman's coast while patrolling regional waters, but did not state a cause for the incident.

Iranian officials also commented on the latest developments. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the United States against violating commitments and said Tehran would answer in a different language if agreements were broken during ongoing diplomatic contacts with Washington. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the presence of foreign forces near Iranian territory created the risk of accidents, crossfire and human error, and urged them to leave the region to reduce danger and prevent unintended escalation.

The incident took place as a ceasefire that has been in place since April 8 remains under strain. Earlier losses, including a US F-15 fighter, highlighted continued instability despite suggestions that diplomacy was moving toward de-escalation.

Trump points to possible agreement

Trump told reporters that Iran and Israel had agreed, through US mediation, to halt hostilities, and said an arrangement could be completed within days, although officials from both sides were more guarded in their public assessments.

"They were going back and forth, and now they both agreed through me to stop, and we're in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape, or form nuclear weapons, etc." Trump said after attending an NBA finals game in New York.

"The Strait (of Hormuz) will open up right away, it'll open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days," he added.

A separate report by Iran's state news agency IRNA said Washington and Tehran were still exchanging views on the final wording of the draft agreement.

Regional and market impact

Following Trump's comments, global oil prices dropped by about 5%. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, however, remained affected by military tensions and by continuing US restrictions on Iranian port access.

An Israeli strike on the Lebanese coastal city of Tyre killed at least eight people, triggering evacuation orders and prompting residents to head north after warnings by the Israeli military. The attack was part of the broader conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where cross-border fire and air raids have continued despite truce efforts and have caused thousands of casualties on both sides.

Iran has said that any agreement with Washington must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon and relief from sanctions. The United States has said any deal must ensure Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons and must secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.