A US Army Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, but President Donald Trump said both crew members survived without injury.
Speaking to reporters at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday night, Trump confirmed that the pilots were safe and said more information would be released soon.
“The pilots are fine. Nobody injured,” Trump said. “We are going to issue a report tomorrow.”
The cause of the crash remains unclear. U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon had not immediately provided details about the incident as of Tuesday morning.
The crash occurred against the backdrop of renewed tensions in the Middle East.
DDM reported that Iran and Israel exchanged missile and air strikes in the most serious escalation since their April ceasefire, raising fresh concerns about regional stability.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the crisis. The narrow waterway serves as a critical route for global energy supplies and has faced major disruptions since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran earlier this year.
Since the war began on February 28, oil shipments through the strait have been severely affected, contributing to higher energy prices and increased costs for consumers around the world.
Apache helicopters have played a significant role in U.S. military operations in the Gulf. They have been used to support efforts aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports and protecting commercial shipping routes.
Regional allies, including the United Arab Emirates, have also deployed similar aircraft against Iranian drone threats during the conflict.
Despite the latest military incident, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts with Tehran were making progress.
“We have a good chance,” he said, suggesting that a breakthrough agreement could be reached within days.
The president argued that while the United States retains the military capability to intensify pressure on Iran, a negotiated settlement remains the preferred option.
“If we do the bombing, a lot of people are going to be killed,” Trump said. “Who wants to do that? I don’t.”
Negotiations, reportedly involving mediators led by Pakistan, have continued for weeks. However, significant differences remain.
Washington wants Iran to surrender its remaining stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which U.S. officials believe survived earlier military strikes.
Tehran has rejected that demand and continues to seek sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before any final agreement is reached.
With the Strait of Hormuz still constrained and tensions simmering across the region, both military developments and diplomatic talks are being closely watched for signs of either escalation or a possible breakthrough.
