US and Iran Exchange Fire After Helicopter Downing Near Strait of Hormuz
6 verified4 unconfirmed2 contested
The United States and Iran exchanged their most significant rounds of fire since an April ceasefire, after a US Army helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials blamed Iran for the downing and launched strikes on Iranian sites. Iran responded by attacking US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The renewed hostilities rattled Asian stock markets, with Japan’s Nikkei index dropping 2% and South Korea’s Kospi sliding about 6%. Despite the conflict, oil prices fell slightly, with Brent crude down 0.2% to $91.28 a barrel. European markets opened broadly flat as investors awaited US inflation data later in the day. The escalation has highlighted the fragility of the truce that had been in place since April 8.
What’s verified
The US launched strikes against Iran after blaming Tehran for downing a US helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on US sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
Japan’s Nikkei index fell 2%, and South Korea’s Kospi slumped about 6%.
Brent crude oil fell 0.2% to $91.28 a barrel.
The US helicopter was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, and two crew members were rescued unhurt.
Jordan reported shooting down five Iranian missiles headed for a base hosting US forces.
Where accounts differ
One source describes the downed helicopter as a “US army helicopter” near the Strait of Hormuz. Another specifies it was an “AH-64 Apache attack helicopter” whose two crew were rescued unhurt.
One source says Iran retaliated by targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Another says Iran attacked US military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, and also reported that Jordan shot down five Iranian missiles.
Not yet confirmed
A single report noted that WH Smith planned to raise about £100 million and cut its pre-tax profit forecast due to the Middle East conflict.
A single report mentioned that China’s factory gate prices rose 3.9% in May, the fastest in four years, due to higher energy costs.
A single report stated that the Philly Semiconductor Index fell as much as 8.62% intra-day before recovering.
It remains unclear whether Iran intentionally downed the US helicopter or if the crash was accidental.
Key figures
Donald Trump – US President
Simon Emeny – Executive Chair of Fuller, Smith & Turner
Leo Quinn – Executive Chair of WH Smith
Susannah Streeter – analyst at Wealth Club
Richard Hunter – head of markets at InteractiveInvestor
Sources: The Guardian, dw.com
