Ankara: Iran said Sunday it shot down a US military MQ-1 Predator armed drone above its territorial waters, according to the state-run news agency IRNA. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle entered Iranian airspace in what it described as a "hostile operation" in the early hours of Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC announced that the drone was detected and subsequently downed by Iranian advanced air defense missile systems after it crossed into Iranian territorial waters. The IRGC emphasized that the aggressive MQ-1 drone, which belonged to the US military, was on a mission with hostile intent when it was identified and destroyed by their modern air defense missiles.

The statement from the IRGC included a warning that Iran would respond decisively to any act of aggression in the future. This incident adds to the already tense relations between Iran and the United States, highlighting ongoing concerns over airspace violations and military engagements in the region.