US Military Shoots Down Iranian Drone
The US military downed an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln “aggressively,” according to the Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM, based in Qatar, explained that the drone, a Shahed 139, was flying toward the aircraft carrier without any clear intention. An F-35 fighter jet, launched from the carrier, took action to protect the crew and the ship by shooting it down.
There were no injuries or damage reported among US military personnel or equipment during the incident.
This event, initially reported by Reuters, occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to kick-start nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. President Trump had previously warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to serious consequences.
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt informed reporters that a scheduled meeting between US and Iranian representatives on Friday in Istanbul “remains scheduled at this time.” The meeting will be led by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“President Trump is focused on diplomacy, but it does require cooperation from both sides,” Levitt noted. “It’s essential to find willing partners, and Special Envoy Witkoff is keen to engage in discussions.”
She elaborated that the president, while prioritizing diplomacy, still has several options at his disposal regarding Iran. She referenced last year’s successful Operation Midnight Hammer, which significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, for now, the talks are still set for later in the week.
In a separate development that same day, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued threats to board a US-flagged tanker navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM reported that two IRGC vessels and a Mohajar drone approached the M/V Stena Imperative aggressively, threatening to seize it. In response, the USS McFaul, a guided missile destroyer, along with air support, provided escort for the tanker through the strait.
The statement from CENTCOM emphasized their commitment to maintaining the safety of US personnel, ships, and aircraft in the Middle East region.
“Iran’s persistent harassment and intimidation in international waters will not be tolerated,” the military asserted. “Their reckless actions around US forces, regional allies, and commercial shipping raise the stakes for conflict and instability in the area.”
The USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Strike Group has been deployed in the region since last month, marking an important part of the US military presence following Iran’s harsh crackdown on protests—the most significant unrest in the country since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
While President Trump has not indicated plans for direct intervention in the protests, he has called for nuclear concessions from Tehran while simultaneously deploying naval forces to the region.
The president mentioned last week that serious talks were underway between the US and Iran, and a senior Iranian official confirmed that negotiations had commenced.
