Iran has issued its first public response after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Tehran of bringing down an American Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a sharply worded message, saying Tehran prefers diplomacy but can 'speak other languages' if commitments are broken. The remarks came after Trump claimed Iran shot down a U.S. AH-64 Apache during a patrol mission, while confirming that both pilots survived and were rescued.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Trump alleged that Iran targeted the Apache helicopter without provocation, escalating tensions between the two nations. The U.S. military has not yet released an official statement confirming the details of the attack.
Iran's Stance
In his response, Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's commitment to diplomatic solutions but warned of consequences if the U.S. fails to uphold its promises. 'We prefer diplomacy and dialogue, but if promises are broken, we can speak other languages,' he stated, hinting at potential military retaliation.
U.S. Reaction
The White House has not commented on Ghalibaf's remarks. However, Trump's initial accusation has drawn mixed reactions from international leaders, with some calling for restraint and others urging a thorough investigation.
This development adds to the already volatile situation in the Middle East, where recent clashes between Israel and Iran-backed groups have raised fears of a broader conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with both the U.S. and Iran maintaining a significant military presence in the region.
