The US military shot down an Iranian drone that approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the Arabian Sea, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
According to foreign media, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that an American F-35 fighter jet intercepted and destroyed the Iranian Shahed-139 drone in a defensive action as it flew toward the carrier.
CENTCOM said the drone was downed to ensure the safety of the aircraft carrier and its crew, adding that no US personnel or military equipment were damaged in the incident.
“The action was taken in self-defence to protect the carrier and those aboard,” CENTCOM said, without providing further operational details.
The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions and comes ahead of planned talks between the United States and Iran later this week, as Washington maintains an increased military presence in the region.
US forces routinely monitor and respond to aerial and maritime threats in international waters of the Arabian Sea, where American naval assets operate to safeguard regional security and freedom of navigation.