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IRGC Downs US MQ-1 Drone Near Strait of Hormuz in Third Interception — AI-generated representative image. An air defense missile system on the coast of southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, following reports of a downed US drone

Editorial Team

Iran's Revolutionary Guard air defense intercepts an American military drone off Sirik amid rising tensions over the strategic waterway.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed an advanced American MQ-1 drone a few hours ago in the skies east of the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Sirik. The announcement came through a statement issued by the IRGC Public Relations Department.

The incident underscores rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints for global oil shipments. It is the latest in a series of reported interceptions of US military unmanned aerial vehicles over the strategic waterway in recent weeks, reflecting an escalating pattern of aerial confrontations between Iran and the United States.

Latest Interception Details

The IRGC stated that the operation was carried out by its modern aerospace defense system, operating under the control of Iran's integrated Air Defense Network. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was intercepted and destroyed in the skies east of the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Sirik.

The downed aircraft was identified as an advanced MQ-1 drone.
The interception occurred a few hours before the IRGC's announcement.
The operation was conducted under Iran's integrated Air Defense Network.

Series of Recent Interceptions

The shooting down of the MQ-1 drone is part of a broader pattern of aerial interceptions over the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier this month, the IRGC reported that its air defense forces intercepted and shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper long-endurance drone over the same strategic waterway.

Last month, the Iranian Army announced that its air defense had shot down a US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Army, its air defense forces detected, tracked, and targeted that drone in southeastern Iran before striking and destroying it.

Official Statement and Operational Claims

According to the IRGC Public Relations Department, the interception was executed using the force's modern aerospace defense systems. The operation was described as being conducted under the command and control of the country's integrated Air Defense Network, which coordinates Iran's various air defense assets.

The statement did not specify the exact time of the incident or whether the drone was armed, and no additional operational details were immediately released.

Current Status and Next Steps

The IRGC has confirmed the successful interception and destruction of the MQ-1 drone, but has not yet released further operational details. No immediate response from US military authorities has been reported. Additional information regarding the incident and any subsequent official statements is awaited.