U.S. Military Launches Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Is Shot Down, CENTCOM Says

The U.S. Central Command said the U.S. military began “self-defense” strikes against Iran at 17:00 U.S. Eastern time under instructions from U.S. President Donald Trump, in response to the previous day’s downing of a U.S. Apache helicopter. According to PANews, CENTCOM described the operation as a response to what it called Iran’s “unprovoked aggression.” In the early hours of local time on June 10, explosions were reported in eastern areas of Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, including Qeshm Island and locations such as Sirik and Minab, and air defense systems were activated. Trump said it was important to respond, adding that the helicopter had been shot down and the U.S. was responding. He also said he has long believed in responding in a tough manner, and noted that there had been a very good agreement and that there likely still would be.