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US military shoots down Iranian drone near aircraft carrier
A U.S. F-35C stealth fighter intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone on Tuesday after it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, U.S. Central Command confirmed. The drone's intentions remained unclear, but the action was taken to safeguard the carrier and its crew.
Incident details
The USS Abraham Lincoln was operating approximately 500 miles off Iran's coast when the drone advanced aggressively, prompting the U.S. response. Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, stated the jet acted in self-defense, ensuring no damage to U.S. equipment or injuries to personnel.
Regional tensions escalate
The downing follows a series of confrontations as Washington strengthens its military footprint in the Middle East amid strained relations with Tehran. Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had harassed a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Military intervention diffused the situation, allowing the tanker to proceed without incident.
Diplomatic efforts and threats
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran remain scheduled for later this week. While President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy, Leavitt emphasized that military options remain available if negotiations fail.
"The president remains committed to pursuing diplomacy first, but all options, including military force, are on the table."
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary
Iran's stance and nuclear program
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has previously warned that any attack on Iran would trigger a regional war. Tehran has not commented on Tuesday's drone incident but has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its program is peaceful.
Trump has threatened further strikes if Iran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear activities, citing last year's U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. He warned that any new attack would be "far worse" than previous actions.
Upcoming negotiations
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to represent the White House in talks with Iran. Initial reports suggested a broader regional meeting in Istanbul, but Axios later cited sources indicating Tehran requested a bilateral discussion in Oman, a request the U.S. reportedly accepted. The White House has not confirmed these details.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated earlier on Tuesday that Iran is open to negotiations if a "suitable environment" is established. Meanwhile, Trump has demanded Iran commit to halting its nuclear program and ending crackdowns on protesters.
Civil unrest and casualties
Protests erupted in Iran last year over economic hardship and political repression, with demonstrators calling for systemic change. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 6,424 confirmed deaths, including 152 children and 214 government-affiliated individuals. Norway-based Iran Human Rights estimates the toll could exceed 25,000.
Iranian authorities acknowledge 3,117 deaths but claim most were security forces or bystanders killed by "rioters." Khamenei has blamed the unrest on foreign interference, specifically the U.S. and Israel.
