Iranian media claims drone shot down by US was conducting surveillance in a 'routine and lawful mission'

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Greg Norman-Diamond,Liz FridenFebruary 4, 2026 at 03:26 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Iranian media, specifically the Tasnim News Agency affiliated with the IRGC, claims a drone shot down by the U.S. military over the Arabian Sea was conducting a "routine and lawful mission" in international waters. The IRGC source stated the drone successfully transmitted reconnaissance photos before losing communication. This claim contradicts the U.S. military's account, which states the drone was shot down by an F-35C fighter jet from the USS Abraham Lincoln on Tuesday after it aggressively approached the aircraft carrier. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the drone continued toward the ship despite de-escalatory measures. The incident occurred approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast while the USS Abraham Lincoln was transiting the Arabian Sea.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 35% Tim Hawkins ×240% Tasnim News Agency 40% Shahed-139 45% Strait of Hormuz 50% U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) ×260% Arabian Sea ×370% USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) ×475% United States ×480% Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ×385% Iran ×690%

Keywords

iranian drone 100% u.s. military 80% shot down 70% surveillance 60% arabian sea 60% irgc 50% international waters 50% uss abraham lincoln 50% de-escalatory measures 40%