U.S. Strikes Iran After Apache Downing, Markets React

U.S. Central Command announced forces carried out self‑defense strikes against Iran on Tuesday at about 5 p.m. ET after a U.S. Army Apache helicopter was downed over the Strait of Hormuz. The helicopter’s crew was recovered.

CENTCOM described the operation as a proportional response to unjustified Iranian actions. President Donald Trump called the operation “a proportional response to Iranian aggression.” Iran condemned the strikes as a gross violation of the recently agreed ceasefire and warned of possible retaliation. International mediators, including Pakistan, had been working in recent weeks to extend the truce and open broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.

The helicopter incident occurred over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that handles roughly one‑fifth of global oil shipments. The strikes follow a series of U.S. and allied operations under Operation Epic Fury, a campaign that began in late February 2026 targeting Iranian military and nuclear capabilities.

Markets reacted quickly after the strikes. Bitcoin fell about 2% over 24 hours and slipped under $62,000. Spot gold traded near $4,220 and showed limited upside. Brent crude rose toward $93 as traders priced the risk of supply disruptions through the Strait.

Market reports linked gold’s weakness to a firmer U.S. dollar and higher oil, which lifted inflation concerns and expectations for interest rates. Traders reduced exposure to higher‑risk assets and immediate risk aversion dominated trading sessions.

Concerns about tanker traffic and higher insurance costs for shipments through the chokepoint have historically pushed oil prices higher during regional tensions. Higher energy costs would increase inflationary pressure globally and could affect central bank timing on rate cuts.

The strikes add to regional risk assessments already shaped by Operation Epic Fury and increase uncertainty over whether the ceasefire can be extended or renegotiated. Financial markets remained volatile as investors rebalanced portfolios in response to the escalation.