Tehran: Iran has claimed that its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a United States military drone after it allegedly entered the country's airspace, further heightening tensions between Tehran and Washington.
According to statements released by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), surveillance systems detected an American MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle in the early hours of Sunday. Iranian authorities alleged that the drone had crossed into Iranian territory and was conducting what they described as a hostile mission.
The IRGC said its air defence units responded by engaging the aircraft with missile systems, resulting in its destruction. Iranian media outlets reported that the operation was carried out shortly after the drone was identified inside the country's airspace.
The United States had not issued an immediate response to the claim at the time of reporting.
The development comes days after Iranian military officials reiterated that they reserve the right to respond to any violations linked to recent ceasefire arrangements involving the United States. Iranian media also cited claims that another American drone had been downed earlier and that military forces had engaged an aircraft approaching Iranian airspace.
Separately, Iran announced stricter oversight of maritime traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important waterways for energy shipments.
In a statement carried by local media, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iran's armed forces exercise full authority over the passage and that all commercial and naval vessels must comply with designated navigation routes.
Iranian officials warned that ships failing to follow established procedures or obtain the required clearances could face security-related consequences, underscoring Tehran's determination to maintain control over the critical maritime corridor.
