U.S. F-35 Downs Iranian Drone Near Carrier Amid Tensions, But Nuclear Talks Remain on Track
U.S. Central Command confirmed that an F-35C stealth fighter jet from the Lincoln intercepted and destroyed a Shahed-139 one-way attack drone. The unmanned aircraft, operated by Iranian forces, approached the carrier—transiting approximately 500 miles from Iran's southern coast—with what officials called "unclear intent." Despite repeated de-escalatory measures by U.S. naval assets, the drone persisted in its course, prompting the defensive shootdown "to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board." No U.S. service members were injured, and no equipment was damaged in the incident, CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stated. The event marks a direct military engagement between U.S. and Iranian assets in the region, coming shortly after Iranian small boats harassed a U.S.-flagged tanker in the nearby Strait of Hormuz, requiring intervention by a U.S. Navy destroyer. The shootdown has fueled fears of broader confrontation, especially as the Trump admi...