The key facts

  • The IRGC claimed the interception of a US MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz early on Tuesday
  • According to the IRGC, this is the 54th American MQ-9 it has shot down
  • The statement was carried by the semi-official Fars agency; there is no confirmation from the US

IRGC statement on the downed drone

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday that it intercepted and destroyed an American MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz. This was reported by the semi-official Iranian agency Fars. According to the IRGC, the aircraft was shot down early on Tuesday while flying over the strategic waterway. The Corps also stated that this is the 54th American MQ-9 drone it has destroyed. The publication does not include any confirmation from the US side.

Context of the conflict

According to the agency, the US and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington later imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports. In June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the strait, but its implementation has stalled due to disagreements over security issues on this strategic waterway.