U.S. Bombs Iran After Helicopter Downed

BreakingBusinessU.S. Bombs Iran After Helicopter DownedByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorJun 09, 2026, 06:59pm EDTToplineU.S. Central Command launched retaliatory strikes against Iran on Tuesday, according to a statement from the agency, responding after President Donald Trump said Iran downed a U.S. helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, which has threatened to derail a looming peace agreement.In this U.S. Navy released handout, an F/A-18E Super Hornet prepares to take off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury.Photo by U.S. Navy via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe “self-defense strikes” were launched against Iran starting at 5 p.m. EDT, Central Command said, directly characterizing the strikes as a “response” to the downing of the U.S. Army Apache helicopter Monday.Central Command added the strikes were a “proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression.”The U.S. helicopter downed Monday was operated by two U.S. pilots who survived and were rescued.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video