The United States military says it shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.
A U.S. Navy F-35C fighter jet from the carrier intercepted and destroyed the unmanned aircraft after it continued flying toward the ship despite de-escalatory measures, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The action was taken “in self-defense and to protect the carrier and personnel on board.” No U.S. personnel or equipment were reported harmed, according to Al-Jazeera..
CENTCOM said the incident occurred roughly 500 miles (800 km) off Iran’s southern coast. The drone’s intent remains unclear, but it was described as flying aggressively toward the U.S. carrier group before it was shot down.
According to U.S. military statements, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also harassed a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day, with small boats and a drone attempting to threaten the tanker.
The shoot-down comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional powers to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently instructed his foreign minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with the U.S. if a suitable, threat-free environment exists — a sign of tentative willingness toward talks.
Officials say planned talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives, expected later this week, are still scheduled, but it remains unclear how the downing of the drone might influence those discussions.
