Tehran: Communication was lost with an Iranian drone after it successfully transmitted its reconnaissance data to the control center while operating in international waters, Iranian media reported late Tuesday, quoting an informed source.

According to Anadolu Agency, the semi-official Tasnim news agency spoke to a source who identified the drone as a Shahed-129. The source stated that the drone was engaged in a 'routine and legal mission' that involved surveillance, monitoring, and imaging in international waters. The source further clarified that the drone was under the command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The source emphasized that the drone had 'successfully sent its reconnaissance and monitoring images to the center' prior to losing contact. The cause of this communication loss remains under investigation.

The Iranian report surfaced following a statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins. Hawkins reported that a US fighter jet had downed an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after it neared an American aircraft carrier. He assured that US forces are prioritizing the safety of American personnel, ships, and aircraft in the Middle East.

This incident occurs amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, exacerbated by an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated military threats from US President Donald Trump.