A US Army helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, but President Donald Trump confirmed that the two crew members aboard were not injured in the incident. The cause of the crash remains unclear.

Background

The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with Iran and Israel exchanging fire the previous day, marking the biggest blow yet to the straining ceasefire in the Iran war. Iranian state television reported that the Israeli attacks killed at least two members of the country’s air defense units.

Since the US and Israel began striking Iran on February 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, particularly as Israel intensifies and expands its military campaign in Lebanon against the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

Trump’s Comments

President Trump, speaking to journalists at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, acknowledged the crash and expressed renewed optimism over negotiations with Iran. Trump said, ‘We have a good chance’ of signing a deal in ‘two or three days,’ but did not provide any details on why there was reason for new optimism.

Trump has repeatedly predicted that a deal is near over the two months since the US and Iran agreed to an initial ceasefire. 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. However, Iran is refusing that and demanding relief from sanctions.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.