The U.S. military confirmed on Tuesday that it shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 military drone after it approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, according to officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to a CENTCOM statement, the drone continued flying toward the carrier despite repeated warnings and de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces operating in international waters. The aircraft carrier was sailing roughly 500 miles (about 800 kilometers) south of Iran’s coast at the time of the incident.
An F-35C U.S. Navy fighter jet was scrambled from the Abraham Lincoln’s air wing to intercept the drone. Officials stated the jet shot down the unmanned aerial vehicle after it failed to divert. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins described the action as a self-defense measure to protect naval personnel and the carrier, noting that no American service members were injured and no U.S. equipment was damaged in the encounter.
What U.S. Officials Say U.S. military spokespeople emphasized that while the drone’s specific intent was unclear, its behavior was judged as “aggressive” and a potential threat to the carrier strike group. This decision reflects heightened tensions in the region, where the U.S. has deployed additional forces amid ongoing disputes with Iran over nuclear negotiations, ballistic missile development, and regional stability.
Context and Related Maritime Incidents The shootdown occurred within hours of another confrontation in the region. U.S. forces reported that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) harassed a U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed merchant vessel, the Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, Iranian boats and another unmanned aircraft approached the merchant vessel at high speeds, threatening to board. U.S. naval assets responded to ensure the tanker’s safety.
Iran’s Reaction Iranian state media acknowledged the loss of contact with one of its drones in the area but has not publicly confirmed that it was shot down by U.S. forces. Tehran’s official statements regarding the exact mission or purpose of the drone remain limited.
Diplomatic Implications These incidents come as diplomatic efforts are underway to revive negotiations between Iranian and U.S. officials, with both sides reportedly still planning talks later this week. International leaders have urged restraint to prevent a full-scale escalation in the Middle East.
