Ankara: A US MQ-9-type drone was shot down on Tuesday over the skies of Iran's central city of Khomein in Markazi province, semi-official Tasnim news agency reports. The drone was reportedly intercepted and shot down by Iranian defense systems, although further details on the incident were not provided.

According to Anadolu Agency, the report of the drone being shot down follows an announcement by the US Central Command that American forces have begun targeting IRGC positions in Iran. This development is part of the ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have been high since the conflict escalated with strikes on Iran in late February.

In June, a framework deal was signed through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, aiming to ease these tensions. However, the US initiated a two-week bombing campaign in July and reinstated a naval blockade due to unresolved issues over navigation in the strategic strait. These actions have further strained relations between the two nations.