American Apache helicopter. Photo: Valda Kalnina / EPA
The United States carried out strikes on Iran "in self-defense" after its Apache helicopter was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
After that, Tehran attacked enemy targets in the region, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said.
US strikes. The American side described the attack as a "proportionate response to unjustified Iranian aggression." According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted Iranian air defense systems, ground command posts, and radar surveillance stations near the Strait of Hormuz.
Sources of Axios journalist Barak Ravid said there were three waves of strikes in total. A CNN source said officials in US President Donald Trump's administration believed the attack would not derail peace talks.
US forces struck Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm and also destroyed two reservoirs in the Bamani area, the IRGC said.
Iran's attack. In response, Tehran launched missiles and drones at US targets in the Middle East, the IRGC said. According to the Iranian side, the Islamic republic struck facilities of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, as well as US bases in Kuwait and Jordan.
That information was confirmed by an unnamed US official in a conversation with Barak Ravid. According to him, Iran fired at least four ballistic missiles as well as drones. US authorities have not yet officially commented on the attack.
Context. On the morning of June 9, Iran shot down a US Apache helicopter patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. Al Arabiya, citing sources, claims the incident was "unintentional" and resulted from tensions around the strait.
Despite this, Trump said the US military should respond to the attack if necessary.