US launches strikes on Iran after Apache downing

The United States has begun launching strikes against Iran, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM), with explosions reported in western Tehran and southern Iranian cities. The action follows the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, which Washington has blamed on Tehran.

CENTCOM announced the strikes as "self-defence" operations directed by President Donald Trump, according to Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post. The military command said the attacks began at 5:15 p.m. ET "against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction," as reported by Deutsche Welle.

Coverage comparison

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes, saying US forces would be attacking "key facilities" in Iran, according to Deutsche Welle and Al Jazeera. Hegseth told reporters in Tampa, Florida, that the attacks were a response to Iran's "unwarranted and continued aggression," a phrase repeated by CENTCOM.

The strikes come amid ongoing negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, with Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief identified as key issues by Hegseth, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Jerusalem Post reported that explosions were heard in western Tehran and the southern cities of Sirik and Minab on Wednesday evening.

Al Jazeera's reporting noted that the strikes may continue into a second day, with Hegseth saying, "If they have to happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and clear." The outlet also reported that the US has been at war with Iran since February 28, when the Trump administration joined Israel in an attack on the country.

Key claims

  • CENTCOM launched "self-defence strikes" against multiple targets in Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Iran is held responsible for downing a US Army Apache helicopter, according to CENTCOM, as cited by Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strikes and framed them as part of ongoing negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Explosions were heard in western Tehran and southern Iranian cities, including Sirik and Minab, according to the Jerusalem Post, citing Iranian state media.
  • President Trump warned that Iran would "have to pay the price" for taking too long to negotiate, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • The UN nuclear watchdog approved a resolution demanding Iran provide information about its uranium stockpile and production facilities "without delay," as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • US strikes on two reservoirs near the southern port town of Sirik have cut off water supply to thousands of people, according to Al Jazeera.
The strikes mark the second consecutive day of US attacks, fracturing the fragile truce struck on April 8, according to Al Jazeera. Iranian air defenses were activated in the Fars region, and explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Gorgan, and Hengam, as cited by IRNA.