Iran Urges Foreign Forces to Leave Strait of Hormuz: Risk of Unintended Confrontations

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on foreign forces to leave the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding area, warning that they risk being caught in the crossfire if they stay.

"The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but is divided between Iran and Oman. Foreign forces present in our vicinity always face risks due to their own human errors, ordinary accidents, or the potential of unintended confrontations," Araghchi posted on X, as cited by AFP, Wednesday (10/6/2026).

"To minimize this risk, the best solution for them is to leave the area," he added.

It is known that a US Apache helicopter crashed in the Strait of Hormuz, part of Iran's territory. Trump said the helicopter was shot down by Iran.

The Apache helicopter is the second confirmed manned aircraft shot down by Iran during the Middle East war, following the loss of an F-15 fighter jet in April.

The crashes of these aircraft and the likelihood of a US response are the latest threats in a series of threats to the ceasefire that has been in place since 8 April. At present, the US and Iran are struggling to negotiate an end to the war.

In a statement, Trump said he had been told "that last night Iran had fired down one of our advanced Apache helicopters while it was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz."

No crew were injured. However, Trump said he would retaliate against the attack.

"The United States must retaliate against this attack," Trump said.