Trump Says Helicopter Pilots Uninjured After Crash Near Strait of Hormuz

A U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, though the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport, said the two pilots were "fine" and that no one was injured, adding that a report would be issued the following day.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region following recent exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel, which have disrupted the ceasefire established earlier this month. Iranian state television reported Israeli strikes killed at least two members of Iran's air defense units.

Trump also said the United States was close to signing a deal with Iran within the next two to three days, though he offered no specifics about the negotiations. He warned that continued bombing could keep the strait closed for months and result in many casualties.

Mediators, led primarily by Pakistan, have been working to finalize a settlement, while both sides maintain firm positions on issues such as Iran's uranium stockpile and sanctions relief. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized Trump’s remarks as contradictory to previous statements.

In related developments, Israel warned residents of Tyre, Lebanon, of potential military action, and Lebanese forces deployed to the city’s Christian quarter to deter attacks.