Iran Says It Shoots Down US Drone Over Strait of Hormuz
The Revolutionary Guard claimed the aircraft was brought down early Tuesday while flying over the strategically important waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
The force also said the incident marked the 54th US MQ-9 drone it had destroyed, according to the reports. No further details about the alleged interception were immediately provided.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The strategic waterway is a major route for international energy shipments, making security in the area a central issue in the confrontation between the two countries.
In June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding concerning freedom of navigation through the strait. However, implementation stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements in the waterway.
The latest claim of a drone interception adds to the tensions surrounding the strait, as disputes over maritime access and security continue to complicate efforts to implement the understanding.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
