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US helicopter crash near Strait of Hormuz; pilots safe, Trump confirms
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that two US pilots are safe after their Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway controlled by Iran. The confirmation came after a report by the New York Times stated that the crew of the gunship had been rescued following the incident, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Speaking at John F Kennedy International Airport before departing for Washington, Trump said the pilots were unharmed and in good condition, adding that there were no casualties. He said a detailed report on the incident would be issued later in the day.
It is still unknown whether the helicopter was brought down by hostile fire, suffered a technical malfunction, or encountered another operational issue. US defence and diplomatic authorities, including the White House, the State Department and US Central Command, have not yet commented on the incident.
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The crash took place a day after Iran and Israel announced a halt in hostilities following diplomatic pressure from Washington. Despite the pause in fighting, Iran warned it could resume attacks if Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire arrangement.
The region has seen heightened military activity in recent days, including missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, which both sides described as retaliation for earlier strikes targeting their respective military and strategic assets. No fatalities were reported in those exchanges.
Trump, who has been attempting to revive negotiations with Tehran, said he could have a framework for a potential deal within days, although he did not provide details. He has repeatedly suggested progress toward an agreement in recent months without any formal breakthrough.
The latest incident adds to growing uncertainty in the Gulf region, where tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have intensified, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
