The United States launched military strikes against targets in Iran on Tuesday after a US Apache helicopter was brought down near the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes began at approximately 17:00 EST and were intended as a proportional response to what it described as Iranian aggression. Explosions were reported along the Persian Gulf coast and near the Strait of Hormuz following the operation. President Donald Trump said the decision came after Iran allegedly shot down a US military helicopter. According to US officials, the helicopter's two crew members were rescued safely and did not suffer injuries. CENTCOM stated that the rescue operation involved multiple military units and included the use of an unmanned surface vessel, marking the first publicly confirmed use of such technology in a rescue mission of this kind. While US officials said Iran used a drone in the incident, they also acknowledged that it remains unclear whether the helicopter was deliberately targeted. Iranian media reported on the event but did not claim responsibility for the aircraft's downing. According to reports, the US strikes focused on Iranian air defence and radar systems. Iranian state media said explosions were heard in several coastal areas, including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm and Sirik. Speaking after the operation, Trump said the strikes were a direct response to the helicopter incident and described the military action as necessary. US House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed support for the decision, saying military action had become unavoidable. Iran strongly condemned the strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran would respond to any attack or threat against the country. He also urged foreign military forces to leave the region, arguing that their presence increased the risk of conflict. The latest escalation comes amid growing tensions across the Middle East. Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and ongoing regional security concerns have further complicated efforts to reduce hostilities. Despite the military confrontation, diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran continue. President Trump recently said negotiations were nearing a potential breakthrough and expressed hope that a broader agreement could be reached within days. The incident has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, as both Washington and Tehran exchange warnings while continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.