Iran claims downing of US Reaper drone and mine strikes on two tankers in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Tuesday that it targeted two commercial vessels and shot down an American military drone in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media reported by Al-Monitor.

The IRGC said two unidentified tankers were brought to a stop and caught fire after hitting naval mines deployed by Iranian forces. According to the Iranian military statement, the vessels were attempting to navigate what it described as an illegal passage in the southern portion of the vital maritime corridor. The announcement did not name the affected ships, nor did it clarify the exact time the incidents took place.

Iranian air defense units also tracked and destroyed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone during an overnight operation, the Guard claimed. The unmanned aircraft, which the United States military deploys for surveillance, intelligence collection, and targeted precision strikes, was reportedly monitored while flying over the strait before being brought down.

The announcements come amid an escalation in maritime actions targeting commercial shipping vessels moving through the key waterway in recent weeks.

In remarks published by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, the IRGC issued a warning against using unauthorized routes in the waterway, asserting that doing so would lead to the destruction of vessels. The military force further cautioned that oil firms would face escalating consequences should American activities in the area persist.

United States Central Command had not immediately provided a response to inquiries regarding the Iranian claims, Al-Monitor reported.