Trump accuses Iran of downing US helicopter, vows response as tensions rise in Gulf

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of shooting down an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Washington will respond to what he described as an attack.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said the United States would act out of “necessity,” though he did not specify what form the response would take.

The Pentagon confirmed that the helicopter crashed following what it described as an incident in the region. According to its statement, two crew members aboard the aircraft were rescued by an American sea drone. Both pilots survived without injury.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” Trump wrote.

The incident comes amid already heightened tensions in the region, where the fragile security situation has been further strained by ongoing military activity involving Israel and Lebanon. Israeli air operations in southern Lebanon earlier this week have raised concerns about a broader escalation.

Iran has not formally confirmed responsibility for the incident. However, Iranian media outlets, including the semi-official Mehr News Agency, reported on the crash while stopping short of directly claiming involvement.

Tehran has previously warned that continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon could trigger retaliatory measures, adding to fears of a widening regional confrontation.

The latest development also coincides with renewed diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran, as Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, signaled possible retaliation in a social media post shortly before Trump’s statement.

It remains unclear what military or political steps Washington may take next, but officials in both countries are expected to respond as the situation develops.