President Donald Trump stated that the United States must respond after Iran downed a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz on June 9, 2026. The helicopter, an Apache attack model, went down during a patrol, and two Army aviators were rescued by a drone boat. Trump confirmed that both service members were safe and uninjured.
The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel. Iranian state media reported that Israeli attacks resulted in casualties among Iran's air-defense units. The helicopter crash is currently under investigation, and military officials have not disclosed the cause.
The U.S. Central Command indicated that the helicopter went down around 3:30 a.m. local time off the coast of Oman. The drone that conducted the rescue was a 24-foot vessel named Corsair, part of the Navy’s Task Force 59, which focuses on maritime security in the Middle East.
Before making his statement about the helicopter, Trump expressed optimism regarding potential negotiations with Iran, suggesting a deal could be reached soon. However, he also acknowledged the complexities involved, including Iran's demand for sanctions relief and the U.S. position on Iran's nuclear program. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah remains a significant concern in the region.