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US Shoots Down Iranian Drone Near Carrier; Tehran Claims "Successful" Mission

The US Central Command stated that an F-35C warplane shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in the Arabian Sea after it aggressively approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Iranian media, however, reported that an armed forces drone had successfully completed a surveillance mission in international waters, monitoring military movements. Tehran's Tasnim news agency separately noted an investigation into a lost drone connection. The incident occurs amid a significant US military buildup in the region following warnings from the Trump administration.

Key Points: US Downs Iranian Drone Near Carrier; Iran Claims Surveillance Success

  • US F-35C shoots down Iranian drone
  • Iran claims successful surveillance mission
  • Incident occurred in Arabian Sea
  • US calls it an act of self-defense
2 min read

Iran reports 'successful' drone mission as US says it shot down aircraft near carrier

US military shoots down an Iranian drone that approached a carrier in the Arabian Sea, as Iranian media reports a "successful" surveillance mission.

"successfully monitored military movements - Fars News Agency"

Tehran, Feb 4

A drone belonging to Iran's armed forces completed a "surveillance mission" in international waters Tuesday, Iranian media reported, shortly after the US military said it had shot down an Iranian aircraft that "aggressively approached" an aircraft carrier.

Citing unnamed sources, the Fars news agency reported that the drone "successfully" monitored military movements in areas adjacent to Iran and transmitted data to ground bases in real time. The report described such missions as vital for the "overall monitoring" of the region, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted an informed source as saying that Iran lost connection to one of its drones, the cause of which is under investigation and will be announced after it is determined.

The US Central Command said earlier in the day that a US F-35C warplane "was forced" to shoot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in the Arabian Sea. The command stated that the drone had "unnecessarily maneuvered" toward the USS Abraham Lincoln while the carrier was transiting international waters approximately 800 km from the Iranian coast.

According to the US statement, the drone was shot down in "an act of self-defense." No US troops were injured, and no equipment was damaged in the encounter, the military said.

The encounter comes amid a significant buildup of American forces in the region. The Trump administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and several warships to the Middle East in late January, as the US president continues to issue warnings to Tehran.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The conflicting narratives are telling. Iran says 'successful surveillance', US says 'aggressively approached'. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. The important thing is that no one was hurt. Hope cooler heads prevail and this doesn't spiral.
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Aman W
While I understand the US's right to self-defense, the constant military buildup in our region is unsettling. The Arabian Sea is not America's backyard. This tension affects all neighboring countries, including India. We need diplomatic solutions, not more warships.
S
Sarah B
From a technical perspective, it's interesting. A Shahed-139 drone is not a toy. For Iran to lose connection right as it's shot down seems... convenient for their story. Either way, flying drones that close to a carrier group is asking for trouble.
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Vikram M
This is why India needs to be strong and self-reliant in defense. We can't be caught in the middle of other nations' conflicts. Our foreign policy of strategic autonomy is the right path. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on India's stake in this. The Arabian Sea is crucial for us. What is our Navy's assessment? What are the implications for Chabahar port, where we have investments? The Indian perspective feels missing here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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