U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Downed and Ceasefire Collapses

U.S. m. ET on Wednesday against multiple targets in Iran. The strikes came after an American Apache helicopter was downed in the Strait of Hormuz the previous day.

The two American aviators aboard the helicopter were rescued by a drone boat. S. Central Command said the operation responded to Iran’s continued aggression and to the downing of the helicopter. The Hill reported that the strikes were launched in retaliation for Tehran shooting down the aircraft overnight.

President Donald Trump stated earlier that day that Iran had taken too long to negotiate a deal. Washington Examiner reported that the United States launched the attacks after Trump complained Tehran was not moving quickly enough. S.

And Iran had continued for months without producing a deal. The Iran war began on February 28, and the conflict has now lasted 100 days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on June 10, 2026, that Iran would respond.

He said, "Opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered. " Gas prices soared to record highs after the war began, largely due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

15 on Wednesday, according to AAA, down 18 cents from the previous week. Nearly 1,000 commercial vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past two months. Nine hundred vessels used shadow fleet tactics to transit the waterway during the war, and activity remains only a fraction of pre-war levels.

U.S. military has increased its security presence in the Strait of Hormuz to guard friendly tankers. Countries have drawn on emergency oil reserves in response to the conflict. Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, said summer gas prices could fall below $4 or rise above $5.