In a significant escalation of hostilities, the United States launched military strikes against Iran early Wednesday after an American Army Apache helicopter was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump characterized the operation as a direct and forceful response to the incident, stating that the US would react strongly to Iranian aggression. The strikes targeted Iranian air defense and radar systems, with the US Central Command describing the operation as a 'proportional response.' In retaliation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any further attacks would be met with a powerful response and urged foreign military forces to leave the region to avoid risks. This incident marks the second downing of a US aircraft in the conflict, with both crew members of the Apache helicopter rescued and reported to be in stable condition. The ongoing tensions have raised alarms over potential disruptions to global energy supplies, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipments.