00:26Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard
00:29or IRGC has claimed it shot down a U.S. MQ-1 predator drone near its territorial waters in the
00:37Persian Gulf region,
00:39close to the Strategic Strait of Hormuz.
00:42According to Iranian state media, the drone allegedly entered Iranian airspace on a reconnaissance mission
00:49and was detected by surveillance systems before being destroyed shortly after dawn on May 31, 2026.
00:57The IRGC says the strike was carried out using its advanced domestic air defense systems,
01:04which it claims are capable of detecting and engaging stealthy, low-altitude targets.
01:11Iranian outlets also released footage appearing to show radar tracking and a missile impact on an airborne target.
01:19Iran has described the incident as a violation of its sovereignty,
01:24warning that any future incursions into its airspace or waters will be met with a decisive response.
01:31However, the United States has presented a different account.
01:35U.S. Central Command says the MQ-1 predator drone was operating in international airspace
01:42when it was engaged and shot down by Iranian forces.
01:46In response to the incident, CENTCOM reportedly carried out limited, retaliatory strikes on Iranian radar
01:54and air defense systems in southern Iran, including areas near Keshe Island.
02:00U.S. officials described the response as measured and defensive,
02:04aimed at protecting military assets and regional shipping routes.
02:08No casualties have been reported on either side.
02:13This latest confrontation comes amid ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf,
02:18particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil choke points.
02:24The region has seen repeated military exchanges in recent months,
02:29despite fragile ceasefire arrangements and ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
02:36The MQ-1 predator drone, an older but still widely used reconnaissance platform,
02:43has been at the center of several similar incidents in the past,
02:47as both sides continue to dispute airspace boundaries in the region.
02:51While Iran has a history of claiming successful drone interceptions,
02:56independent verification of such incidents remains limited due to the sensitive and restricted operations in the area.
03:04As tensions continue to simmer,
03:07this latest drone shoot-down adds another flashpoint to an already volatile situation.
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