Iran has claimed that it shot down a United States MQ-9 reconnaissance drone over the central city of Isfahan, in what appears to be the latest escalation in regional tensions, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
According to Iranian state-linked sources, the drone was intercepted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps using its advanced aerospace defence system in coordination with the country’s integrated air defence network.
The development was confirmed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which said the action demonstrated the effectiveness of Iran’s defensive capabilities.
The MQ-9 drone, widely used for surveillance missions, was described as a spy aircraft by Iranian officials. They maintained that it was successfully targeted and brought down within Iranian airspace.
This is not the first such claim in recent days. The Revolutionary Guards had earlier stated that two MQ-9 drones were also shot down in Isfahan just two days prior, indicating a pattern of heightened aerial activity and military vigilance in the area.
The latest claim comes amid increasing regional tensions, with Iran emphasising its readiness to counter any perceived threats to its sovereignty through a coordinated and technologically advanced defence network.
The incident is likely to further strain relations and raise concerns over the potential for escalation in an already volatile region.