The latest escalation followed the crash of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the strategic Strait of Hormuz|@CENTCOM|X
The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified on Wednesday after the US launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites and Tehran responded with attacks across the Gulf region.
The latest escalation followed the crash of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an incident President Donald Trump blamed on Iran. The developments come as the broader Middle East conflict crossed its 100th day.
Trump approved the operation after military advisers concluded that the helicopter had likely been hit by a Shahed drone while patrolling off the coast of Oman.
Washington described the operation as a proportional response to attacks on US forces and commercial vessels in the region.
Iran confirmed strikes near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island and retaliated by launching drones and missiles toward US and allied positions. Bahrain urged residents to seek shelter, Kuwait activated its air defenses, and Jordan said its military intercepted several incoming missiles.
The renewed tensions emerge as Trump continues to argue that Washington and Tehran are on the verge of ending the conflict.