Reports in Iran: At least four explosions heard near Sirik Port in the Bandar Abbas district

CENTCOM confirms US forces launched strikes on Iran in response to downing of Apache helicopter

<p>As CENTCOM announced the retaliatory strikes against Iran, President Donald Trump told <i>ABC News</i>, "I think it's very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak."</p><p>He added, "This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is."</p>

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Trump downplays Iran's downing of a US helicopter in Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier vow that the US would respond.

US official to Fox News: The strikes in Iran are ongoing

A US official told <i>CNN</i> that the strikes were intended to serve as a warning to Iran, noting that Washington assesses they will not jeopardize negotiations to end the war.

<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened the US following its latest strikes on Iran.</p><p>"Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered. Leave our region if you want to be safe," he wrote on social media.</p>