Somewhere in the Arabian Sea: The US seems to have drawn first blood in the ongoing stand-off against Iran. An F-35 US fighter jet reportedly shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that was flying towards the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with “unclear intent”.
The aircraft carrier is leading the carrier group presently stationed somewhere in the Arabian Sea, close to the Persian Gulf.
In a statement issued by the US, it has been said that no American serviceman was harmed in the incident, nor was any US equipment damaged.
“An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board,” Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson at the US military’s Central Command said, as reported by news agency Reuters.
The Lincoln carrier strike group is one of the most visible parts of a US military buildup in the Middle East in recent days.
Tensions between the two countries have increased over the last few days, ever since protests erupted in Iran over economic crises. Protests further intensified in the country after the country’s currency fell into historic low against dollar.
US president Donald Trump has warned Iran of armed strikes amid reports of thousands being killed and several protesters being taken into custody. Iran has also displayed a tough stance, saying that any action will be treated as an act of war.
Trump calmed down later, saying he was told that no protester would be given harsh punishment. Iran on its part, had accused the US and Israel of fuelling protests in Iran.
Iran has not yet reacted to the reports of shooting down of the drone though.
On Tuesday, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said he asked the country’s foreign minister to “pursue fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States. It was the first clear sign from Tehran that it wants to negotiate with Washington, even as tensions remain high.
