Iran Downs Helicopter, Dares Trump To Respond — And He Must

America rescued its two crewmembers but not yet its strategic deterrence.

Mark Toth and Jonathan Sweet

Jun 09, 2026

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CENTCOM posted this photo today of Marines loading onto a helicopter aboard USS Tripoli for aerial-sniper and close-air-support training in the Middle East. Photo: U.S. Central Command

U.S. Central C…

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A guest post by

Mark Toth

Mark writes on national security & foreign policy. His work has appeared in The Hill, New York Post, Daily Mail, Washington Examiner, the Kyiv Post and is syndicated in dozens of publications. Mark also frequently commentates on TVP World.

A guest post by

Jonathan Sweet

Retired Army Intelligence Officer. Freelance Author, Contributor and Columnist for The Hill, New York Post, Kyiv Post and FOX News. Providing a Warfighter's Perspective and Insight into current events that impact National Security.