10.06.2026 01:30
US President Donald Trump made his first statement after launching "counterattacks" against Iran in response to the downing of a US Apache helicopter. Stressing that retaliation was very important and emphasizing that he saw these attacks as a "response" to the downing of the US helicopter, Trump commented, "I think this response had to be very tough, very strong, and that's what it is."
US President Donald Trump made a statement to ABC News after they began launching "counterstrikes" against Iran in response to the downing of a US Apache helicopter.
"I THINK THIS RESPONSE SHOULD HAVE BEEN VERY TOUGH, VERY STRONG, AND THIS IS SUCH A COUNTERSTRIKE"
In his statement, Trump said, "I think it's very important to respond. They shot down one of our helicopters, and we are now responding to that."
Emphasizing that he sees these attacks as a "response" to the downing of the US helicopter, Trump commented, "I think this response should have been very tough, very strong, and this is such a response."
"COUNTERSTRIKE" FROM THE US TO IRAN
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that they have begun launching counterstrikes against Iran in response to the downing of a US Apache helicopter.
In its statement, the command said, "CENTCOM, in response to the downing of a US military Apache helicopter yesterday, began conducting self-defense strikes against Iran today at 5:00 PM (US Eastern Time) under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief (Donald Trump). This operation is a proportionate response to Iran's unjust aggression."
Trump, regarding the incident, stated on his social media account that an American military Apache helicopter patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz was shot down by Iran, saying, "The US must necessarily respond to this attack."
Downplaying the significance of the Apache helicopter's downing, Trump assessed in his statement, "This event is not such a big deal. The pilots are in good condition."
WERE THE PILOTS RESCUED?
Meanwhile, US officials speaking to American CBS News stated that the helicopter's pilots were rescued by a US military sea drone.
Another official speaking to Axios stated that the incident was caused by an Iranian drone colliding with the Apache helicopter, but they do not yet know whether it was intentional.