Iran claims another US drone shot down over Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: Iran has claimed that its forces shot down another US MQ-1 drone over or near the Strait of Hormuz, adding a fresh military incident to tensions surrounding the strategically important waterway.

According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force targeted the unmanned aircraft near the Strait and destroyed it using what officials described as an advanced air-defence system. Iranian authorities identified the aircraft as a US MQ-1 and said the incident occurred over the Strait of Hormuz.

The claim has not been independently verified. No detailed evidence, including imagery, wreckage or precise coordinates, was immediately provided in the statement cited by Iranian media. There was also no immediate independent confirmation from the United States in the available reports.

The latest allegation comes amid continued confrontation between Tehran and Washington, with military activity around the Strait remaining a major concern. Reuters reported on Monday that vessel traffic through the vital waterway has fallen sharply during the conflict, with only 12 commodity vessels passing through over the previous weekend, compared with about 125 vessels a day before the conflict.

Iran has made several recent claims involving US unmanned systems in and around the Strait. Earlier reports also cited Iranian statements claiming that US drones had been intercepted or destroyed, although details have not always been independently confirmed.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments, making any military confrontation in or around the waterway a closely watched development. The development could further raise concerns over commercial shipping safety in the area.