Middle East tensions rise as Iran claims Strait of Hormuz strikes; Trump vows response

Tensions in the Middle East intensified as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, following new US military actions. US Central Command confirmed these were "self-defense strikes" in response to Iranian activity. Separately, President Donald Trump accused Iran of downing a US helicopter near the Strait, from which two crew members were rescued, and pledged a response. Trump asserted Iran had delayed negotiations and would "pay the price," while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated his country might withdraw if conditions were not met. Meanwhile, Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan, reporting 26 militant deaths, though the Taliban government claimed 13 fatalities, including 11 children. Analysts suggest the region faces a "permacrisis" given Iran's resilience. Sources: BBC News