The United States and Iran traded military strikes across the Gulf region overnight after Washington blamed Tehran for the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. The escalation marks the most serious direct military clash between the two countries since a ceasefire was announced in April. Both sides described their actions as defensive while warning that further attacks would trigger additional responses.

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

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