Iran targeted the US Navy's 5th Fleet following American strikes on Iranian air defence systems, escalating tensions after Tehran downed a US Apache helicopter.

US president says Iran shot down a helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that his country will 'respond'.

The alleged shoot-down came hours after a US fighter jet fired on a Palau-flagged commercial tanker accused of attempting to outrun the US blockade of Iran.

The US military says the two crew members were rescued by a sea drone and are in stable condition.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran wants to make a deal with him to end the war and that they have agreed to concessions.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m.