• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. US Apache helicopter crashed near Strait of Hormuz.
  2. President Trump confirms both crew members are safe.
  3. Incident occurs amid US blockade, Iran deal talks.

A US Army Apache attack helicopter, which has been playing a key role in US blockade, crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump saying the two crew members on board were "fine" after the incident involving the strategic waterway, which remains under a chokehold by Iran. He, however, did not elaborate on what caused the crash. "The pilots are fine. Yeah," Trump said. "Nobody injured. We are going to issue a report tomorrow. But the pilots are fine."

The New York Times first reported that a US Army Apache attack helicopter went down near the strait in unclear circumstances.

ALSO READ: Trump Hints At Imminent Final Decision On Iran Deal, Says Hormuz Blockade Will Be Lifted

How Apache helicopters played crucial role in US blockade

Apache helicopters have been a key asset for the American military as it enforces a blockade on Iranian crude oil shipments and tankers, seeking to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal. The helicopters have also been used by the United Arab Emirates to shoot down Iranian drones during the Iran war.

Trump insists an Iran deal is coming

Despite the recent escalation of conflict, Trump also expressed renewed optimism over negotiations with Iran. "We have a good chance" of signing a deal in "two or three days," Trump said. But he didn't provide any details on why there was reason for new optimism.

ALSO READ: Oman Flags Suspected Floating Mine In Hormuz, Urges Mariners To Exercise Caution

"We're very close to having a very, very good, strong, powerful deal," the president said. "If we go and bomb - which we could do very easily if we want, and we spend another two or three weeks bombing - they'll have nothing left whatsoever. But you won't have the Strait open for months."

He added, "If we do the bombing, you know, a lot of people are going to be killed. Who wants to do that? I don't."

Iran-US peace talks in limbo

Mediators, led predominantly by Pakistan, have been trying for weeks to get a deal across the line. However, both Iran and the US have taken hard-line positions. The US wants to see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which is believed still to be entombed in the country after American airstrikes in the 12-day war in 2025. But Iran is refusing that and demanding relief from sanctions. It also wants the release of frozen assets even before a final agreement is in place, something rejected by Trump.

(With inpts from agency)

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