President Donald Trump declared Tuesday evening that America must take action following an investigation that found Iran responsible for shooting down a US Apache helicopter in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.
Through a Truth Social message, President Trump revealed military leadership had briefed him on the investigation’s results.
“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,” President Trump wrote.
The president confirmed that both crew members on board the aircraft made it through the incident safely.
“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”
The aircraft crashed Monday evening in the area near the Strait of Hormuz. Two sources speaking to The New York Times confirmed both crew members were recovered without harm.
When the incident first occurred, it remained unclear if enemy fire caused the helicopter’s downing or if mechanical failure was to blame. President Trump had publicly commented on the crash when it first happened, but the investigation later determined Iran had attacked the aircraft.
The aircraft went down during a time when fighting between Iran and Israel had paused after recent tensions had increased.
Officials did not reveal what specific operation the Apache was conducting when the incident happened. The US Central Command website states Apache helicopters perform precision strikes, close air support and aerial reconnaissance.
President Trump provided no details about what military, diplomatic or other actions the United States might pursue in retaliation.
His statements contrasted sharply with comments he delivered Monday evening about negotiations with Iran. While speaking at JFK Airport, President Trump characterized current discussions as being in their “final throes” and suggested a diplomatic deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within “two or three days.”
“We are very close to having a very, very good strong, powerful deal,” President Trump said at the time, adding that there were no major unresolved issues preventing an agreement.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that President Trump had indicated he would consider ending the Iran ceasefire if Iranian attacks resulted in the deaths of American troops.
