U.S. Apache Helicopter Crashes Near Strait of Hormuz; Trump Optimistic on Iran Deal
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York early Tuesday, June 9, 2026, before boarding Air Force One. During his comments, he addressed a recent crash involving a U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. The president confirmed that the two crew members involved were uninjured.
The incident comes amid ongoing tension in the Middle East following exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel, which have disrupted a previously established ceasefire. The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown, with Iranian state media acknowledging the event without providing details.
The conflict has had significant effects globally, impacting the economy and driving up energy prices. Efforts to convert the ceasefire established in April into a lasting peace agreement have stalled.
Trump, following his attendance at the NBA Finals on Monday night, stated, “The pilots are fine. Nobody injured. We are going to issue a report tomorrow.”
The New York Times earlier reported the incident, noting that circumstances surrounding the crash near the strategic waterway were unclear. Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s Central Command and the Defense Department have not yet responded to requests for comments.
Apache helicopters play a crucial role in the U.S. military’s enforcement of a blockade on Iranian oil shipments. They are also utilized by the United Arab Emirates to counteract Iranian drones during the ongoing conflict.
Trump Optimistic on Iran Deal
President Trump also shared his belief in the possibility of a new agreement with Iran, predicting a deal might be reached “in two or three days.” However, he provided no specific reasons for this newfound optimism.
“We’re very close to having a very, very good, strong, powerful deal,” he mentioned.
While noting that military action remains a possibility, Trump emphasized that bombing would lead to loss of life and prolonged closure of the strait. Instead, he expressed a preference for negotiation.
Mediation efforts, spearheaded predominantly by Pakistan, have continued for weeks. However, both the U.S. and Iran have maintained tough stances. The U.S. demands Iran relinquish its highly enriched uranium stockpile, allegedly still in Iran post-2025 airstrikes. Iran, meanwhile, seeks sanctions relief and access to frozen assets prior to any final agreement, demands that have been rebuffed by Trump.