🎯 U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” against Iranian military targets following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. According to CENTCOM, U.S. fighter jets struck Iranian air defense systems, radar sites, ground control stations, and additional military infrastructure using precision munitions.
🛰️ Iranian media reported explosions in Sirik, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Ahvaz, alongside the activation of Iranian air defenses in Qeshm, Jask, and Bandar Abbas. Additional waves of strikes and explosions were later reported along Iran’s southern coastline, while GPS disruptions were reported in parts of Tehran.
⚓ CENTCOM later stated that the operation had concluded, describing it as “a proportional response to recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters.” The command added that U.S. forces remain positioned to respond to further Iranian actions.
🚀 Iranian channels claimed that cruise missiles were launched from Bandar Abbas toward the Persian Gulf, while additional reports described ballistic missile launches toward Gulf states. Alerts were reported in Bahrain and Kuwait, with interceptions observed over Manama and at least one explosion reported in Bahrain. Iranian reports also claimed strikes against the U.S. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, including alleged attacks on F-35 infrastructure and command facilities.
🛡️ U.S. officials rejected Iranian claims that 21 regional American targets had been successfully struck, telling The New York Times that Iran launched multiple missiles and drones toward U.S. positions across the Middle East but that nearly all were intercepted.
✈️ Iraqi media reported continued U.S. and Israeli aerial patrols over Iraqi airspace. Iranian media additionally claimed the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone over southern Iran, a claim later echoed by the IRGC.
📢 Iranian military and political officials issued additional warnings following the strikes. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that any renewed U.S. action would trigger broader attacks, while the IRGC claimed its naval forces targeted the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain using drones. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would leave “no attack or threat unanswered” and warned foreign forces to leave the region if they sought safety.
🚁 The confrontation followed the crash of a U.S. AH-64 Apache helicopter during a maritime patrol near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated earlier that Iran had shot down the aircraft and declared that the United States “must, of necessity, respond.” CENTCOM confirmed both crew members were rescued safely. Subsequent U.S. assessments cited by Axios, CNN, and Al-Arabiya pointed toward possible involvement of an Iranian Shahed drone, although officials reportedly had not determined whether the incident was intentional. Iranian officials denied deliberate responsibility and argued the helicopter was not operating in international waters.
🌍 Heavy American aerial activity was observed across the Persian Gulf region, including U.S. refueling aircraft operating near Iran’s Kish Island, while Iranian fighter aircraft were reportedly scrambled from Tehran airspace. Initial reports also indicated explosions near the American Victoria Base in Baghdad.
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