A U.S. F-35C stealth fighter jet operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after the unmanned aircraft made what officials described as an “aggressively approaching” maneuver toward the American warship.
According to U.S. Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins, the incident occurred approximately 500 miles from the Iranian coastline when the drone advanced toward the carrier with “unclear intent.” The F-35C pilot engaged and destroyed the drone in what was characterized as a “self-defense” measure to protect the aircraft carrier and its personnel. No U.S. equipment was damaged and no service members were injured in the encounter.
The confrontation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military presence and diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran should the nation refuse to negotiate restrictions on its nuclear program. The administration had previously suggested potential intervention during Tehran’s suppression of anti-government demonstrations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed following the incident that diplomatic negotiations between the two nations remain scheduled for later this week. While emphasizing Trump’s commitment to pursuing diplomacy as a first recourse, Leavitt noted that the president maintains “a range of options on the table, including the use of military force.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously warned that any attack on Iranian territory would trigger a “regional war.” Tehran has not issued an official statement regarding Tuesday’s drone incident.
In related developments, Leavitt announced that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, serving as Trump’s senior overseas representative, will lead the American delegation in upcoming talks. Initial reports suggested a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday, though sources cited by Axios indicate Tehran has requested relocating the venue to Oman.