U.S. Forces shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, , after it “aggressively” approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. The incident occurred approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast.
The drone, identified as a Shahed-139, “unnecessarily maneuvered toward the ship” despite “de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. Forces operating in international waters,” Capt. Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for Central Command, stated. An F-35C fighter jet from the carrier subsequently shot down the drone “in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board.” No injuries to U.S. Personnel or damage to equipment were reported.
The Shahed-139 is described as a long-range, one-way attack drone capable of carrying over 100 pounds of explosives. These drones have been previously used by Russia in attacks within Ukraine.
This incident is not isolated. Later on , a U.S.-flagged tanker was harassed by multiple Iranian small boats and a drone as it transited the Strait of Hormuz. A Navy destroyer and U.S. Air Force aircraft responded to assist the tanker, according to Central Command.
The U.S. Military’s action comes amid heightened tensions with Iran. President Trump is reportedly considering military strikes against the Islamic Republic, though the White House indicated that talks between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials are still planned for in Turkey. Four senior Middle East diplomats and a U.S. Official confirmed the planned meeting to NBC News. The delegations are expected to include Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on , President Trump acknowledged that negotiations with Iran have already begun. “They are negotiating. They’d like to do something, and we’ll see if something is going to be done,” he said.
The incident raises questions about Iran’s intentions in the region and the potential for miscalculation. Sources speaking to TF1 Info noted the complexity of the Iranian decision-making process, questioning who authorized the approach of the drone towards the USS Lincoln. The aggressive maneuvering of the drone, despite de-escalatory signals from the U.S. Navy, suggests a deliberate attempt to test U.S. Response capabilities, according to BFM.
The USS Abraham Lincoln was in the Arabian Sea when the drone approached. Images released by the U.S. Navy show F/A-18E Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers operating from the carrier’s flight deck in recent weeks. Capt. Daniel Keeler, the commanding officer of the Lincoln, was pictured flying an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter in the Indian Ocean on .
While the U.S. Has demonstrated its willingness to defend its assets, the continuation of planned talks suggests a desire to avoid further escalation. The outcome of the discussions between Witkoff and Araghchi will be closely watched for any indication of a potential de-escalation in tensions or a path towards a diplomatic resolution.
The incident underscores the volatile security situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The region has been a focal point of tensions between the U.S. And Iran for years, with a history of confrontations involving naval forces and maritime traffic.
