Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has shot down another US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported the claim on Monday.
The IRGC said its Aerospace Force detected and intercepted the unmanned aircraft using an advanced air defense system.
The system operates as part of Iran’s integrated air defense network.
IRGC Says US Returned Older MQ-1 Drone
The IRGC claimed that heavy losses of MQ-9 drones forced the United States to return the older MQ-1 model to operations.
The US retired the MQ-1 Predator from active military service several years ago.
The aircraft gained the nickname “Beast of Kandahar” during US operations in Afghanistan.
The MQ-9 Reaper later replaced the MQ-1 in US military operations.
Iran Reports Repeated Drone Interceptions
The IRGC said Iranian air defenses have repeatedly targeted US drones in recent months.
Iran also claims its forces have destroyed several surveillance and combat drones.
However, the latest claim has not been independently verified.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically important waterway for global energy shipments.
Tensions in the region have increased following the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Iranian authorities continue to warn that they will respond to what they describe as violations of their airspace.
