WASHINGTON — The United States launched additional self-defense strikes on multiple Iranian military targets in the Middle East on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said, following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes targeted Iranian air defenses, ground control stations, surveillance radar sites and communication systems, according to CENTCOM. President Donald Trump directed the operation in response to what officials described as Iran's unwarranted aggression.
Iran claimed it carried out retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. U.S. officials disputed some of those claims, stating that several missiles were intercepted or failed to reach their targets.
The incident involving the Apache helicopter occurred on Monday. The two crew members were rescued, U.S. officials said. Trump blamed Iran for the downing, which Iran has denied.
The exchanges mark the latest escalation testing a fragile ceasefire that took effect in April. Indirect negotiations aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and other issues have faced repeated setbacks.
CENTCOM described the U.S. action as limited and proportional. "These strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression," the command said in a statement.
Iranian officials vowed further retaliation. Details on casualties from the latest strikes remained unclear, with both sides reporting limited impacts. Independent verification of damage assessments was not immediately available.
The developments come amid ongoing U.S. enforcement of measures related to Iranian oil exports and maritime security in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy shipments, has been a focal point of tensions.
International mediators, including representatives from Qatar and other countries, have urged restraint to prevent a broader resumption of hostilities. The United Nations and regional actors called for a return to diplomacy.
As of Wednesday, no further U.S. or Iranian strikes were reported. Details on the full extent of damage and the immediate impact on ceasefire negotiations remained unclear. Both sides continued to monitor the situation closely.
