Topline
The U.S. renewed strikes against Iran on Wednesday, bombing targets in the country again less than a day after American military forces completed attacks following the downing of a U.S. helicopter early this week.
Key Facts
U.S. Central Command said in a statement it was carrying out the latest strikes “in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”
Central Command did not mention the helicopter downing in its statement, but said “additional self-defense strikes” were made against multiple targets.
Two U.S. pilots were rescued Monday after President Donald Trump said Iran downed a helicopter and the U.S. “must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The ongoing strikes threaten to upend a fragile ceasefire that was established between the U.S. and Iran as they sought to establish a longer-term peace agreement.However, Trump said Wednesday that Iran would “pay the price” for taking too long on negotiations, accusing the country of “playing us for suckers.”