Washington (Web Desk): A US fighter jet intercepted and shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after the unmanned aircraft moved dangerously close to an American aircraft carrier, officials reported.
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was navigating international waters approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coastline when the Iranian Shahed-139 drone advanced toward the vessel, according to US Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins.
Hawkins explained that the drone ignored multiple attempts by US forces to defuse the situation. “Despite our de-escalatory measures, the Iranian drone continued its approach,” he said, stressing that the US is committed to safeguarding its personnel, ships, and aircraft throughout the Middle East.
He further warned that repeated aggressive actions by Iran in international airspace and waters could provoke serious incidents, raising the likelihood of accidents, miscalculations, and instability in the region.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Fox News that Pentagon officials had deemed CENTCOM’s actions “appropriate and necessary” to defend US forces and assets.
Leavitt added that the decision to down the drone was taken under President Donald Trump’s direction, highlighting the drone’s “aggressive behavior” toward the USS Lincoln.
She reiterated the administration’s commitment to diplomacy, noting that effective negotiations require cooperation from both sides. “Diplomacy only works when both parties are willing to engage,” she said.
Leavitt also mentioned that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to hold talks with Iranian representatives later this week, while emphasizing that the president retains a full spectrum of options, including military responses. “The Iranians are well aware of that,” she said.