US President Donald Trump has confirmed that two American helicopter pilots involved in a crash near the Strait of Hormuz are “fine,” following reports that the crew had been rescued after the aircraft went down close to the Iranian-controlled waterway.
The confirmation came on Tuesday after earlier reports from the New York Times indicated that personnel aboard an Apache gunship were safely recovered after the incident. However, it remains unclear whether the helicopter was brought down by hostile fire, a technical malfunction, or another cause.
US officials, including the White House, the State Department and US Central Command, had not immediately issued public statements when inquiries were made.
Speaking to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York before departing for Washington, DC ,Trump said the situation was under control and that an official assessment would follow.
“The pilots are fine,” he said, adding that there were no injuries reported.
The crash occurred just a day after Iran and Israel each signaled a pause in direct attacks following diplomatic pressure from Washington. Despite the temporary lull, Tehran warned it could resume military action if Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued, particularly against Hezbollah positions.
The fragile calm has come as the United States continues efforts to negotiate a broader understanding with Iran aimed at ending months of escalating confrontation in the region. Trump also suggested that a possible framework for a deal with Tehran could emerge within days, though he did not provide details.
In recent weeks, tensions between Iran and Israel have repeatedly flared, with both sides trading missile and air defense strikes. Iranian officials said their operations were retaliatory, while Israeli authorities maintained they were targeting strategic military infrastructure.
An Israeli official indicated the country was prepared to continue its operations “for as long as it takes,” while Iranian representatives issued similarly firm warnings, suggesting readiness for a prolonged standoff.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said diplomatic exchanges with Washington were continuing, though marked by deep mistrust.
Meanwhile, discussions involving Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were reported to have taken place earlier in the week, with Washington advising restraint over further intensification of tensions
Iran has also maintained pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, while the US has continued restrictions on Iranian maritime activity.
As investigations into the helicopter incident continue, officials say more information will be released once the cause of the crash is determined.
Goodness Anunobi
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