The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that it shot down an MQ‑9 Reaper drone after detecting a hostile aircraft that had entered Iranian airspace in the Gulf region on Tuesday.
It also asserted that it fired upon an F‑35 fighter jet, compelling the aircraft to withdraw from Iranian airspace, and targeted an RQ‑4 intelligence‑gathering drone.
The IRGC further stated that it retains the legitimate and definite right to retaliate against any cease‑fire violations by the United States, according to state media.
Iran’s allegations follow U.S. “self‑defense” strikes carried out overnight in southern Iran against a range of targets, including vessels attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites.
“U.S. forces conducted self‑defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” said US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins.
“US Central Command continues to defend our forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing cease‑fire,” he added.
This is a developing story.
Ariella Roitmen contributed to this report.
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