US strikes Iran after helicopter crash near Hormuz

The United States has struck military targets in Iran after blaming Tehran for the crash of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said American fighter jets hit air defence sites, radar systems and ground control stations early on Wednesday.

Iran later launched missiles towards sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, where authorities said air defences were activated.

Jordan said it shot down five missiles aimed at an air base used by US forces.

A US official said the Apache crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone near Oman. Both crew members were rescued by a US drone boat.

The strikes have widened the conflict and put renewed pressure on efforts to turn April’s ceasefire into a lasting deal.