US military shoots down Iranian drone over Arabian Sea

US Central Command Confirms Downing of Iranian Drone Near USS Abraham Lincoln

A US fighter jet from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down an Iranian drone in self-defense, according to a statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday. The incident occurred approximately 800km from Iran’s southern coast, where the aircraft carrier was sailing.

The drone, identified as a Shahed-139 model, approached the ship with “unclear intent” and continued to fly towards it despite de-escalatory measures taken by US forces operating in international waters. CENTCOM stated that the downing of the drone was carried out by an F-35C fighter jet from the Lincoln.

There has been no immediate comment from Iranian authorities on the incident. The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, which have seen tensions ease following recent threats from US President Donald Trump towards Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced earlier this week that he had instructed his foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations with the US, guided by principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency. The talks are expected to take place on Friday, although the venue has not yet been confirmed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would have conversations with Iranian officials later this week. It is unclear whether the downing of the Iranian drone will affect these plans for negotiations.

Separately, CENTCOM accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces of harassing a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred when two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached the M/V Stena Imperative at high speeds, threatening to board and seize the tanker.

Iranian officials later stated that a vessel had entered Iranian territorial waters without necessary permits, but was warned and left the area without incident.

Source: Al Jazeera