Iran’s Air Defences Shoot Down Drone Over Qeshm Island Amid Tensions

Iran’s military announces successful interception and destruction of drone over Qeshm Island. The aircraft was identified as a small Orbiter drone, described by Iranian authorities as an asset operated by the United States and Israel.

Air defence systems detected the drone entering island’s airspace, leading to its destruction. Operation carried out under Iran’s integrated air defence command responsible for protecting country’s airspace.

Earlier, IRGC claimed downing of US MQ-9 drone over Persian Gulf, alleging it attempted interventionist activities in region. Iranian officials said intelligence monitoring allowed air defence units to identify and engage the aircraft while defending airspace.

IRGC also claimed attempts to target RQ-4 surveillance drone and F-35 fighter jet that approached Iranian airspace, but both reportedly turned back before entering country. Authorities warned of firm response to any violation or intrusion into airspace. Claims unverified; no immediate comment from US or Israeli officials.