Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it intercepted and destroyed 3 US MQ-1 Predator drones over the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, escalating competing claims about air operations during continuing conflict and tension between the 2 countries in West Asia.
The IRGC said its aerospace force used an advanced air-defence system to target the unmanned aerial vehicles over the strategic waterway. The claim was reported by Iranian news channel Press TV.
What Iran claims
According to the IRGC’s public relations department, the aircraft were remotely piloted, multi-mission vehicles capable of extended flight. Iranian air-defence forces allegedly detected and tracked one of the drones before using surface-to-air missiles against it.
The latest assertion followed an earlier IRGC claim that another US MQ-1 drone had been intercepted over the Strait of Hormuz only hours before. Iran’s account places the incidents within a wider exchange of claims over the effectiveness of each side’s air-defence and drone operations.
The supplied report does not independently verify the IRGC’s account or provide a response from the United States. The US administration has continued to claim that it is destroying Iranian air-defence systems.
Earlier Iranian claim
Iranian military air-defence units also claimed last week that they had brought down a US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz. The units said they detected and tracked the aircraft in southeastern Iran before targeting it.
The Strait of Hormuz is the location identified in the latest claims involving the 3 drones, while southeastern Iran was identified in the earlier account. No further operational details are given in the report.
Why the claims matter
The competing statements highlight the continuing dispute over air activity around the waterway. Iran’s latest claim centres on the reported use of an integrated air-defence network and surface-to-air missiles, while US statements cited in the report focus on attacks against Iranian air-defence systems.
Conclusion
The IRGC’s claim, if confirmed, would mark 3 reported US MQ-1 drone losses over the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, but the account remains unverified in the supplied report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Iran claim happened over the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran claims its forces intercepted and destroyed 3 US MQ-1 Predator drones within 24 hours.
Q. Which Iranian organisation made the claim?
The claim was made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC.
Q. What weapon did the IRGC say was used?
The IRGC said surface-to-air missiles were used after the drones were detected and tracked.
Q. What is the US position mentioned in the report?
The report says the US administration has continued to claim that it is destroying Iranian air-defence systems.
Q. Was the Iranian claim independently verified?
No independent verification or US response is provided in the report.
Q. Did Iran make an earlier drone claim?
Yes. Iranian air-defence units claimed last week that they destroyed another US MQ-1 drone in southeastern Iran.
