Ankara: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Sunday that it successfully targeted and destroyed a US military tethered surveillance aerostat near Erbil airport in northern Iraq. The IRGC's statement, publicized by Iran's Tasnim news agency, emphasized that the Persistent Surveillance Systems-Tethered (PSS-T) aerostat was 'completely destroyed' through a drone strike executed by the IRGC Aerospace Force.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred amid ongoing clashes between Iran and the US in the region, particularly on Wednesday. The IRGC further supported its claim by releasing footage that purportedly captured the moment when the surveillance system was struck. The statement detailed that the PSS-T is unlike regular balloons as it remains tethered to a fixed position, functioning similarly to a surveillance tower.

As of now, there has been no comment from the US regarding Tehran's assertions. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli attacks on Iran that commenced on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran has been conducting missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US interests throughout the region.

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Iran and the US had signed a memorandum of understanding in June, with mediation from Pakistan and Qatar. The agreement aimed at reducing hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and tackling economic sanctions. However, both countries have since accused each other of failing to adhere to the commitments outlined in the memorandum, with military tensions persisting alongside disputes over sanctions and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.