Tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer as President Donald Trump said the US military would “respond” following the downing of an American Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Iran was responsible for the incident, adding that the two crew members were safe and uninjured after being rescued by US forces using a naval drone.The US military’s Central Command said the helicopter went down near the coast of Oman and that the pilots were recovered within about two hours and were in stable condition. The cause of the crash has not been confirmed and remains under investigation.The incident comes amid continued instability in the region following ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has already included exchanges of fire and strikes on military targets. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, has become a focal point of heightened military risk during the broader confrontation.Earlier in the conflict, a US fighter aircraft was also lost, underlining rising operational risks in the region. Analysts say the latest incident further threatens an already fragile ceasefire framework that has struggled to hold since April, raising concerns that direct US involvement could deepen the escalation cycle between Iran, Israel and American forces in the Gulf.

Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia are lining up to buy this Indian missile following its success during Operation Sindoor

“I fear from everything I hear that Stokes is going to act first. And, regretfully, I hear that he is going to step down and possibly even retire."