TEHRAN: Iran has put a US MQ-9 drone on public display after reportedly shooting it down during the latest American military strikes.
Iranian media released video footage showing the drone displayed in a public area in the country’s central province.
Members of the public were seen taking photographs alongside the wreckage.
Iranian reports said the MQ-9 drone is worth around $30 million.
Drone Displayed After US Strikes
The display came a day after the United States carried out airstrikes against targets in Iran.
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The US said it had completed its military objectives following the strikes.
According to foreign media reports, the attacks targeted locations in several parts of Iran.
These included Qeshm Island, Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Hormozgan province.
Iranian authorities have presented the downed drone as evidence of their ability to counter US military operations.
Rising US-Iran Tensions
The reported destruction and public display of the MQ-9 come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft used by the US military for intelligence, surveillance and strike missions.
The incident is likely to add to concerns over further military escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Neither side has indicated that the latest developments will end the wider confrontation.
The public display of the drone also carries a symbolic message as Iran seeks to highlight its military response to US operations.
