US says it shot down Iranian drone approaching aircraft carrier

The United States military said on Tuesday that it shot down an Iranian drone after it “aggressively approached” a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said an F-35C fighter jet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down the drone in self-defence to protect the carrier and its crew. The warship was operating about 500 miles from the Iranian coast at the time, and the drone’s intent was described as unclear.

No US personnel were injured and no equipment was damaged in the incident, Hawkins said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran as the US continues to strengthen its military presence in the region. President Donald Trump has warned of possible military action if Iran fails to negotiate restrictions on its nuclear programme.

Despite the incident, the White House said talks between the US and Iran remain scheduled for later this week. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains committed to diplomacy but has “a range of options on the table,” including military force.

Iran has not commented on the drone incident. Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran was open to negotiations if a suitable environment exists.

In a separate development, the US military said Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces harassed a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, though the situation was later de-escalated.