'US must respond': Trump admits Iran shot down Apache helicopter over Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 9) confirmed that Iran shot down an Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the United States would "have to respond" to the attack. Notably, the incident marked the first reported loss of an Apache helicopter since the war with Iran began.

In a post on social media, Trump said he had been informed by the US military that the incident occurred last night, adding that both pilots aboard



the helicopter were rescued safely and escaped without injuries after a drone boat reached the crash site.

"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. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured," Trump wrote.

"Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack," he added.