US shoots down Iranian drone approaching aircraft carrier: Tensions escalate

An Iranian attack boat approached a US oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz earlier today and ordered the ship to stop.

It was stated that 6 Iranian attack boats equipped with 50-caliber weapons approached the tanker, ordered it to cut its engines, and prepared to board the vessel.

The tanker increased its speed and later continued on its way escorted by a US warship.

US SHOOTS DOWN IRANIAN DRONE

An unnamed US official announced that the US military shot down an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was approaching a US aircraft carrier in the Sea of Oman.

Tensions between the US and Iran have risen in the Sea of Oman. An unnamed US official announced that the US military shot down an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle that was approaching the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Sea of Oman.

Reports in the US press stated that the Iranian Shahed-139 unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by an F-35 fighter jet as it approached the aircraft carrier.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Spokesperson Tim Hawkins said, "An F-35C fighter jet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle in self-defense to protect the aircraft carrier and the personnel on board."

There has been no statement from Iran regarding the incident yet.

The incident is notable for occurring during a period of mutual posturing regarding the military exercises conducted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps around the Strait of Hormuz and the presence of aircraft carriers in the region.

The proximity of the coordinates where the engagement took place to Iran's strategic security belt has raised military activity in the region to the highest level.

"US NAVY PRESENCE IS PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE"

Deputy Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Ahmad Vahidi had evaluated the presence of the US Navy in the region as "psychological warfare."

Vahidi said, "The presence of these naval groups in the region is not a new situation. We consider this part of the enemy's psychological warfare and believe it should not be given any credence."

Stating that the readiness level of the Iranian armed forces is much higher compared to the 12-day Iran-Israel war, Vahidi noted that "all movements of the enemies are completely under control and surveillance."

News Source: 12punto