The US military has shot down an Iranian drone that 'aggressively' approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, the latest flashpoint ahead of expected talks on Tehran's nuclear programme.
An F-35C fighter jet from the carrier destroyed the Shahed-139 drone, which was flying towards the vessel 'with unclear intent', US Central Command said. Captain Tim Hawkins, a navy spokesperson, described the action as self-defence, adding that no US personnel were harmed or equipment damaged.
Iran's UN mission declined to comment, but state-linked Tasnim news agency reported that contact had been lost with a drone in international waters for an unknown reason. Separately, Fars news agency claimed an Iranian drone had completed a surveillance mission in international waters.
In a related incident, two Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats and a Mohajer drone harassed a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to board and seize the tanker, according to Central Command.
The confrontation comes as diplomats try to arrange nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said envoy Steve Witkoff still plans to meet Iranian officials in Turkey this week, despite the drone incident. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said consultations on the venue were ongoing, with reports suggesting Tehran prefers Oman and wants talks limited to nuclear issues.
