A US Army helicopter has gone down near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a rescue operation for two crew members, according to US media reports.
It remains unclear whether the Apache helicopter came under fire from Iranian forces or suffered a mechanical failure before crashing, two people briefed on the incident told the New York Times.
Both crew members are believed to have been safely rescued following the incident.
An investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the anonymous source told the newspaper.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) have used Apache helicopters as part of efforts to release Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Although they are typically used for patrols, CENTOM have been sending the aircrafts deeper into Iranian territory as the conflict drags on, according to the New York Times.
Speaking from Air Force One after his appearance at the NBA Finals in New York, President Donald Trump confirmed that the pilots were "fine" following the crash.
He said: "The pilots are fine, nobody injured.
It remains unclear whether the Apache helicopter came under fire from Iranian forces or suffered a mechanical failure
| GETTY"We are going to issue a report tomorrow but the pilots are fine."
The crash came as the fragile Middle East ceasefire was left hanging by a thread following an exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran on Monday night.
After Iran launched a series of attacks towards northern Israel, the IDF carried out retaliatory strikes against several military targets across the Islamic Republic.
However, Mr Trump has since claimed that Tehran and Tel Aviv have agreed to "leave each other alone for another week".
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The US President confirmed both pilots are 'fine' following the incident and a report will be published tomorrow
|REUTERS
He told reporters: "He [Netanyahu] was hit, and he hit back, and I can't blame him for that."
“But he was hit, he hit back, and now they’ve called it quits. So they’re going to just leave each other alone for another week or something.
He said that Washington is now entering "the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape, or form nuclear weapons, etcetera".
The President also said he anticipated that "the Strait [of Hormuz] will open up right away" once an agreement is reached.
Mr Trump also said he anticipated that 'the Strait [of Hormuz] will open up right away' once an agreement is reached
| REUTERS"It will open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days," he added.
The strategically vital waterway has been effectively closed since hostilities erupted in the Middle East at the end of February.
While the Strait of Hormuz is subject to freedom of navigation under international maritime law, Tehran has denied breaching its obligations.
Iranian officials have insisted they remain compliant with international law, arguing that the regime is merely providing "services" and "protection" to vessels operating in its waters.
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