Trump launches strikes against Iran after downing of US army helicopter

US president blames Tehran for loss of Apache gunship, whose crew were rescued by a drone near strait of HormuzMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe US has launched “self-defence strikes” against Iran after Donald Trump blamed Tehran for downing a US army helicopter near the strait of Hormuz, imperilling a shaky ceasefire that was announced by the two countries in April.US Central Command said Trump had directed the military to launch strikes beginning at 10pm UK time on Tuesday in response to the downing of the Apache helicopter gunship off the coast of Oman earlier. US media, citing White House