Bangkok: U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, before his departure to Washington, D.C., that both pilots were safe and unharmed from the U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, waters under Iranian control.
According to Thai News Agency, President Trump stated that the administration is preparing to release a full report on the cause of the crash this afternoon. This comes amid ongoing speculation that the helicopter was either shot down by the Iranian military or suffered a technical malfunction.
The incident follows just one day after Iran and Israel announced a suspension of their retaliatory strikes, which was encouraged by President Trump. Despite the ceasefire, the Iranian government has warned of a potential resumption of attacks if Israel continues its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The resumption of this fragile ceasefire is part of the US government's efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran to end the war that has lasted over three months.
Additionally, President Trump mentioned that he may have a plan for a joint agreement with Iran within the coming days, although he did not provide further details. The Republican leader, who is facing historically low approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections, has often suggested that a deal with Iran is imminent, but so far, no concrete agreement has been achieved.