TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported the claim on Monday.
According to the IRGC, Iranian air defence forces targeted the drone in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says its forces used a new air defence system to bring down the US drone.
However, US officials have not immediately confirmed or denied the Iranian claim.
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Iran Claims Use of New Air Defence System
The IRGC said its air defence forces detected the American drone over the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials then claimed that they used a new and advanced air defence system against the aircraft.
The claim comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.
Neither side has released independent evidence confirming the reported shootdown.
What Is the MQ-9 Reaper?
The MQ-9 Reaper is a US-made unmanned aircraft.
The US military uses the drone mainly for surveillance and intelligence missions.
It can also carry weapons and conduct strikes.
The aircraft has become one of the most widely known US military drones.
Its loss, if confirmed, could mark a significant development in the latest confrontation between Iran and the United States.
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Tensions Rise Around Strait of Hormuz
The reported incident comes amid growing military tensions in the region.
US forces recently struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, according to a US official.
Iran later said it launched ballistic missile attacks against US bases in Jordan.
Tehran described those attacks as a response to the US action on Larak Island.
The latest drone claim adds another development to the escalating confrontation.
Iran and US Exchange Warnings
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that Washington will respond to attacks against US forces.
Iran, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned that it will respond to US military action.
Both sides have increased their military activity as tensions continue.
As a result, the Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus of the confrontation.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Large volumes of oil and natural gas pass through the waterway every day.
Any prolonged disruption could affect global energy markets.
It could also push oil and gas prices higher.
Therefore, military incidents around the strait can have consequences far beyond the Middle East.
Shootdown Claim Awaits Confirmation
Iran’s claim about the MQ-9 Reaper has not yet received independent confirmation.
The United States has also not publicly confirmed the loss of the drone.
Further details may emerge as officials from both sides respond to the incident.
For now, the reported shootdown remains an Iranian claim amid an increasingly tense military standoff.
