U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 9th (local time) that a U.S. Army Apache helicopter that crashed while flying over the Strait of Hormuz was shot down by Iran, and foreshadowed corresponding measures.

Trump said via the social media platform Truth Social that day, "I have just received reports that an advanced Apache helicopter patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz last night was shot down by Iran."

He added, "Two pilots were on board the helicopter, but both are safe and uninjured."

Trump indicated that retaliation would be forthcoming, stating, "Nevertheless, the United States must inevitably respond to this attack."

The previous day, the New York Times (NYT) reported that a U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, and the two crew members on board were safely rescued.

Trump met with reporters on his way back from watching an NBA game in Manhattan the previous day and revealed that the pilots of the crashed helicopter were not injured. He also said that the investigation report on the cause of the accident was scheduled to be released within the day.

The United States and Iran, which have been observing a ceasefire since April 7th and are engaged in peace negotiations, have recently exchanged intermittent military clashes. However, both sides maintain that the ceasefire remains in effect.

Trump's remarks on this day are interpreted as maintaining the ceasefire trend while responding to Iranian provocations if necessary.

U.S. Army Apache Helicopter [AP=Yonhap News]