SRINAGAR: The United States military said on Wednesday it had completed a series of airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure following the downing of an American helicopter off the coast of Oman, which Washington has attributed to Tehran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that American forces carried out precision strikes on Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz, deploying both US Air Force and Navy fighter jets.
“These were proportional strikes in response to unjustified Iranian aggression,” CENTCOM said in a statement on social media.
Iran has acknowledged that strikes took place in and around Bandar Abbas and other southern locations, including areas near the strategic port region, but has not provided details regarding casualties or damage. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz before later stating that the wave of US attacks had “subsided”.
US President Donald Trump said earlier that an American helicopter had been shot down while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz, calling the incident an act that required a response. “We must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he said in a social media post.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that foreign forces operating near Iranian territory were “at constant risk” and vowed retaliation. “Iranian forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” he said on X, adding, “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”
The latest escalation comes amid an already fragile two-month ceasefire, which has been under strain following renewed exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel. Iranian state television reported that recent Israeli strikes killed at least two members of Iran’s air-defence units.
The conflict, which escalated after US and Israeli strikes began in late February, has disrupted global energy markets, pushed up fuel prices, and increased the cost of basic commodities worldwide.
Diplomatic efforts to convert the April ceasefire into a lasting settlement have so far failed, particularly as Israel continues expanding military operations in Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
