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An Iranian Shahed-139 drone, approaching a U.S. aircraft carrier, was neutralized by an F-35 fighter jet, according to official reports. The drone’s intentions remained unclear, prompting defensive action.
Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command, stated, “An F-35C fighter jet from the Abraham Lincoln took down the Iranian drone in self-defense, ensuring the safety of the aircraft carrier and its personnel.” Thankfully, the incident resulted in no injuries to American service members, nor was any U.S. equipment harmed.
This occurrence unfolded amidst diplomatic efforts to initiate nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned that with American warships advancing towards Iran, potential negative outcomes loomed if negotiations failed to materialize.
The Lincoln carrier strike group, prominently positioned, symbolizes the U.S. military’s increased presence in the Middle East. This deployment follows a severe government crackdown on anti-regime protests, marking the most significant domestic unrest in Iran since the 1979 revolution.
The Lincoln carrier strike group is the most visible part of a US military build up in the Middle East following a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations last month, the deadliest domestic unrest in Iran since its 1979 revolution.
Trump, who stopped short of carrying out threats to intervene during the crackdown, has since demanded Tehran make nuclear concessions and sent a flotilla to its coast.
He said last week Iran was “seriously talking,” while Tehran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, said arrangements for negotiations were under way.
The US military’s Central Command said in another incident on Tuesday, hours later in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces harassed a US-flagged, US-crewed merchant vessel.
“Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached M/V Stena Imperative at high speeds and threatened to board and seize the tanker,” Hawkins said.
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