TEHRAN, May 31: Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday that it had shot down a US MQ-1 drone after it allegedly entered Iranian territorial waters to conduct hostile operations. According to Iran’s state-run media, the drone was detected by Iranian air defence systems and destroyed with missiles.
The claim comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States despite an ongoing ceasefire. Earlier this week, the IRGC said it retained the right to respond to any ceasefire violations by Washington and claimed to have downed a US MQ-9 drone. Iranian media also reported that the IRGC fired at a fighter jet that allegedly entered Iranian airspace.
Meanwhile, the US military confirmed carrying out what it described as “self-defence strikes” in southern Iran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted missile launch sites and boats that were allegedly attempting to lay mines. CENTCOM said the operations were aimed at protecting US troops and maintaining security in the region while exercising restraint during the ceasefire.
US forces also reportedly conducted overnight strikes on Thursday against a military site in Iran that Washington said posed a threat to US personnel and commercial shipping. Despite these actions, US officials have maintained that the ceasefire with Iran remains in effect.
Separately, Iranian media reported three explosions near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz. The latest developments come as Washington continues to cite concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran’s activities pose a potential security threat. (IANS)
