Iran has claimed that its forces shot down a U.S. drone and an F-35 fighter jet that allegedly entered Iranian airspace.
According to reports carried by Al Jazeera, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that Iranian forces had downed:
- An RQ-4 Global Hawk drone
- An F-35 Lightning II fighter jet
The IRGC claimed both aircraft had entered Iranian airspace illegally.
However, the statement reportedly did not specify:
- When the incidents occurred
- Where exactly the aircraft were allegedly targeted
- Whether evidence of the incidents exists
Iran further stated that it reserves the “legal and permanent right” to respond to any violations of the ongoing ceasefire by the United States.
Meanwhile, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a separate statement warning that Middle Eastern countries would no longer serve as protective zones for American military bases in the region.
Referring to what he described as victories by the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” including groups operating in Lebanon, Khamenei claimed pro-Iranian armed organizations had delivered strong responses to both the United States and Israel.
He also called for greater unity among Islamic countries and regional powers.
The claims come shortly after the U.S. military confirmed it had launched “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran targeting:
- Missile launch sites
- Boats allegedly attempting to lay naval mines
According to Tim Hawkins of United States Central Command:
“US forces today launched a series of self-defense strikes in southern Iran to protect our troops from threats from Iranian forces.”
CENTCOM did not release detailed operational information regarding the strikes.
The latest developments add to growing uncertainty surrounding ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran, while concerns continue over:
- Regional military escalation
- Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz
- Global oil supply disruptions
- Wider Middle East stability
