US shoots down Iranian drone near carrier as Tehran threatens US-flagged tanker in Gulf
Washington, USA & Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea escalated as US and Iranian forces clashed in two separate incidents this week.
The US Central Command confirmed that an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was shot down by an F-35C fighter jet as a defensive measure. No US personnel or equipment were harmed.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported the Revolutionary Guards lost a drone during a surveillance mission over the Arabian Sea, with its footage successfully transmitted to base.
Hours later, two Iranian gunboats reportedly circled the US-flagged chemical tanker M/V Stena Imperio near the Strait of Hormuz, issuing threats via radio. The US Navy’s USS McFaul intervened, safely escorting the tanker out of the area with air support from carrier-based aircraft.
Both incidents occurred ahead of planned US-Iran diplomatic talks, now facing uncertainty as Tehran demands relocating the meeting to Oman and limiting the agenda to nuclear discussions, while the US insists ballistic missiles and regional proxy groups be included.
The White House confirmed talks remain scheduled, but all options, including military action, remain on the table. Over the past week, the US has increased military presence in the region, deploying guided missile destroyers and advanced fighter jets alongside the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
