The U.S.-Iran conflict entered a dangerous new phase after Washington launched strikes in response to the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump ordered what CENTCOM described as "self-defense" strikes against Iranian targets, while Tehran vowed retaliation. Iran's military and IRGC warned that any further American action would be met with a harsher response, with reports of attacks targeting U.S. military facilities across the region. As both sides exchange threats and military blows, fears are growing that the crisis could spiral into a wider Middle East war.

In a statement posted to social media, U.S. Central Command said the strikes would be “a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”

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.

Two US crew members were rescued near Oman, but Trump’s decision to retaliate adds new strain to already fragile peace efforts.

The US Central Command said its forces began launching “self-defence” strikes against Iran on Wednesday morning (AEST).

A military response from the US could threaten the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April, as Tehran warned "foreign forces" to leave the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The United States began launching strikes against Iran on Tuesday evening, following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday.

The latest news and live updates as U.S. Central Command said it has begun launching strikes against Iran.

The United States launched a series of strikes against Iran on Tuesday in retaliation for the downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, Central Command…

US forces launched strikes on Iranian military targets after an Apache helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said.

U.S. military launches strikes against Iran after an Apache helicopter crashes off Oman, amid escalating tensions and accusations.

U.S. military launches strikes against Iran after an Apache helicopter crashes off Oman, amid escalating tensions and accusations.

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

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

US launches strikes on Iran after an Apache helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what it means for crypto markets and investors.

The US launched a series of strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of an American helicopter in Hormuz according to CENTCOM

The US military started attacking Iran on Tuesday evening in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter, the US Central Command said (CENTCOM).CENTCOM

Washington says the strikes were a “proportional response” after Iran allegedly shot down a US Army Apache helicopter near Oman.

US Launches Strikes Against Iran After Apache Helicopter Downing In Fresh Middle-East Crisis

United States forces have launched strikes against Iran following the downing of a US helicopter. President Donald Trump stated the response was powerful. Iran's state media…