Dubai: Iran’s military on Saturday claimed it struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters on Friday, marking another escalation in the six-week-old conflict between Tehran and Washington.

The attacks follow Iran’s earlier claim of downing two American warplanes, including an F-15E Strike Eagle, in its territory.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, said in a statement carried by state media that the day “must be called a black and humiliating Friday for the American and Zionist enemies.”

The Associated Press could not independently verify Iran’s claims. Some media outlets in the US reported the helicopters were hit, but details remain unclear.

Meanwhile, the US military continued searching Saturday for a missing pilot shot down over a remote area in southwestern Iran. One service member from the F-15E attack was rescued, while Iran has offered a reward for information on the missing pilot.

President Donald Trump has remained silent on the latest incidents but reminded Tehran of his Monday deadline regarding the Strait of Hormuz, warning, “48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”

The conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on February 28, has already killed thousands, shaken global markets, disrupted shipping routes, and spiked fuel prices. Iran continues to respond with attacks across the region, showing no signs of de-escalation.