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 source speaking to the semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that the drone, identified as a Shahed-129, was engaged in a "routine and legal mission" involving surveillance, monitoring, and imaging in international waters. The source confirmed that the drone was part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fleet. The informed source further explained that the drone had "successfully sent its reconnaissance and monitoring images to the center" before losing contact. The cause behind the loss of communication is currently under investigation. This report from Iranian media follows a statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins, who revealed that a US fighter jet had shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after it neared an American aircraft carrier. Hawkins emphasized that US forces are focused on ensuring the safety of their personnel, ships, and aircraft in the Middle East. The incident occurs amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, exacerbated by an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf and threats of military action by US President Donald Trump.