Trump says pilots are fine after U.S. helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Middle East Trump says pilots are fine after U. helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz June 9, 20261:48 AM ET By The Associated Press President Donald Trump talks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, early Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption toggle caption Mark Schiefelbein/AP DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A U. Army Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with 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. Middle East conflict After trading missile fire, Israel and Iran pull back — for now What caused the crash remained unclear Tuesday morning in the Middle East, which was still reeling after Iran and Israel exchanged fire the previous day in the biggest blow yet to the straining ceasefire in the Iran war.

The Details

Iranian state media, relying on foreign reporting, acknowledged the crash without elaborating. and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28, the war has shaken the global economy, driven up energy prices around the world and made many basics, including food, more expensive.

Officials have been unable to turn the April ceasefire into a deal to permanently end the conflict. Sponsor Message Trump, speaking to journalists at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after watching the NBA Finals on Monday night, acknowledged the crash.

"The pilots are fine. We are going to issue a report tomorrow. But the pilots are fine.

What Experts Say

" The New York Times first reported that a U. Army Apache attack helicopter went down near the strait in unclear circumstances. military's Central Command and the Defense Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

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 also have been used by the United Arab Emirates to shoot down Iranian drones during the Iran war. Middle East conflict Trump confirms calling Netanyahu 'crazy,' says they still get along Trump insists an Iran deal is coming 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. "We're very close to having a very, very good, strong, powerful deal," the president said.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.