The United States military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone on Tuesday after it flew toward a US Navy aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, a US official told Reuters.
According to the official, the drone was approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln when it was intercepted and destroyed by a US F-35 fighter jet. The incident occurred while the aircraft carrier was conducting operations in international waters.
A spokesperson for US Central Command confirmed the incident to CBS News, stating that the aircraft involved was an F-35C variant. The spokesperson described the drone’s behavior as “threatening” and said it flew aggressively with unclear intent toward the carrier.
“A US F-35C shot down an Iranian Shahed drone that flew aggressively and with unclear intent toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea today,” the spokesperson said.
The Pentagon did not release additional details about the engagement, and there was no immediate response from Iranian officials regarding the incident.
The episode comes just days ahead of planned diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. It also follows a period in which Washington has increased its military presence in the Middle East, citing regional security concerns.
