10.06.2026 07:20
Tensions have escalated to a peak on the Washington-Tehran line following the crash of a US Army Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the US striking air defense systems and radars in Iran under the guise of "self-defense," Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated forcefully by targeting American military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Tehran has announced that any new US attack will be met with an immediate response.
The helicopter crash in the Strait of Hormuz triggered a major crisis in the Middle East. Overnight clashes between US and Iranian forces brought the region to the brink of war.
US LAUNCHES MIDNIGHT 'RETALIATION' OPERATION
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had taken action following the downed Apache helicopter, conducting retaliatory strikes against Iran. Stating that the operation was carried out under "self-defense," CENTCOM said, "This operation is a proportional response to Iran's unjust aggression."
Immediately after these statements, Iranian media reported hearing loud explosion sounds in Sirik city, Qeshm Island, and Bandar Abbas regions in Hormozgan province.
US President Donald Trump also made a flash statement amid the heat of the events. Speaking to ABC News, Trump confirmed the operation and said:
"Responding is very important. They shot down a helicopter and we are retaliating now."
CENTCOM: WAVE OF ATTACKS LASTED 4 HOURS
Sharing details of the operation in the early morning hours, CENTCOM reported that the launched attacks had been completed and lasted approximately 4 hours. The statement noted the use of precision-guided munitions from US Air Force and Navy fighter jets.
It was stated that the strikes hit Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the operation was also a response to attacks on international commercial vessels.
IRAN DOES NOT REMAIN SILENT: DRONE AND MISSILE BARRAGE ON US BASES
Tehran's response to the US midnight operation was not delayed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that US strategic bases in the Middle East were targeted following the attacks. The official statement said a total of 21 targets were hit at US naval and air bases in the region.
Iran's retaliatory wave targeted the following critical points:
- US 5th Fleet in Bahrain: Heavily attacked by swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan: Targeted with ballistic missiles. According to claims, 4 important targets, including hangars housing F-35 fighter jets, were destroyed.
CLAIM: 'US DRONE SHOT DOWN'
Iran, arguing that the US attacks were carried out under "false pretenses," claimed that US missiles hit 2 water reservoirs rather than military targets in Sirik city and damaged 1 communication tower.
Meanwhile, another development that could escalate the crisis occurred in Bushehr province in the south of the country. Iran announced to the world that it had shot down a US military MQ-9 Reaper drone, a technological marvel. As tensions remain at their highest in the region, all eyes are on the next move by the parties.