US Apache helicopter pilots who went down in the Strait of Hormuz are fine, says Trump; Iran yet to claim responsibility

US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the two pilots from a downed Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz are 'fine,' though the incident's cause remains unconfirmed. The helicopter went down hours after Iran and Israel exchanged missiles, raising regional tensions. Trump added that the US would issue a report on the incident the following day. Iran acknowledged the crash through its semi-official Mehr News Agency but has not claimed responsibility, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) yet to comment. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil transit route, with Trump vowing to restore its traffic under a potential ceasefire deal with Iran. During a press briefing, Trump claimed negotiations were in their final stages, promising the strait would reopen 'immediately upon signing,' possibly within 'two or three days.' He dismissed major sticking points, insisting the deal could be finalized quickly. The US has previously stated Iran controls a fifth of the world’s oil supply through the strait, and its closure has disrupted global energy markets. The incident follows recent missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, despite an April ceasefire, raising fears of renewed conflict. Trump emphasized the deal would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, though no agreement has been reached despite repeated claims of progress.