As Trump voices optimism for a deal with Iran within a few days, a tense truce between Israel and Iran is tested by ongoing violence in Lebanon.

The US has begun striking Iran in retaliation for its Monday night downing of an American military helicopter and its two pilots, US Central Command said Tuesday. STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS BY SUBSCRIBING TO MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER Follow The Post’s live coverage of President Trump and national politics for the latest news and analysis ”CENTCOM forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.

The attacks came a day after Israel and Iran pulled back from direct confrontation. The Israeli campaign against the Lebanese militia Hezbollah has been an obstacle in U.S.-Iran peace talks.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that two crew members were rescued after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed near Oman on June 8 during a patrol mission. According to CENTCOM, both personnel were recovered within two hours and were reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.

China's new Z-21 heavy attack helicopter prototype is emerging as a direct capability competitor to the U.S. AH-64E Apache Guardian.

A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz for unknown reasons, with the crew rescued safely according to President Trump. A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz on June 8,