In a recent incident, a US F-35 fighter jet intercepted and shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that was approaching an aircraft carrier with “unclear intent.” The drone was targeted in a defensive maneuver to safeguard the carrier and its crew, according to Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the US Central Command.
Meanwhile, on the same day, a separate confrontation unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz. Forces from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly harassed a US-flagged merchant ship. Hawkins detailed that two IRGC boats, accompanied by an Iranian Mohajer drone, aggressively approached the vessel, identified as M/V Stena Imperative, at high speed, posing a threat of boarding and seizure.
STAY INFORMED: Keep up with the latest breaking news and exclusive stories by following us on all major platforms.
“Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached M/V Stena Imperative at high speeds and threatened to board and seize the tanker,” Hawkins said.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
