Trump demands retaliation after probe connects Apache helicopter downing to Iran

The two crew members aboard the helicopter survived.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump said the United States must respond to an attack on a US Apache helicopter after an investigation revealed that Iran was behind the attack.

Trump announced the finding Tuesday in a Truth Social post, one day after the aircraft went down and while Washington was continuing negotiations with Tehran.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote.

“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”

When the helicopter crashed Monday night, the cause was not immediately known.

Two sources cited by The New York Times said both crew members were rescued safely after the incident.

At the time, questions remained over whether the aircraft had suffered a mechanical failure or had come under attack.

Trump had addressed the incident shortly after it occurred, but the latest findings identified Iran as responsible for the loss of the aircraft.

The helicopter came down near the Strait of Hormuz during a period in which fighting between Israel and Iran had subsided following a recent escalation.

No details were released regarding the helicopter’s assignment at the time of the incident.

According to the US Central Command website, Apache helicopters are used for missions including precision strikes, close air support and aerial reconnaissance.

The president did not outline what form a US response might take.

His comments contrasted with remarks he made less than 24 hours earlier regarding diplomacy with Tehran. Speaking Monday night at JFK Airport, Trump said negotiations were in their “final throes” and suggested a deal could be reached quickly.

“We are very close to having a very, very good strong, powerful deal,” Trump said, adding that a diplomatic agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within “two or three days.”

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Trump had said he would consider ending the Iran ceasefire if Iranian attacks resulted in American casualties.