Iran’s army on Monday claimed that its air defences shot down a US drone over the southern city of Bandar Abbas as military exchanges between Tehran and Washington intensified across the Gulf region.

The claim came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage of its latest military operations against Iran, including fighter aircraft launching from carriers and strikes on Iranian positions. The US military said its latest offensive targeted dozens of locations to weaken Tehran’s ability to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Claims US Drone Shot Down Near Bandar Abbas

Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, citing an official military briefing, reported that air defence units stationed in south-eastern Iran detected, tracked and destroyed what was described as a “hostile Lucas-type” drone.

The drone was reportedly operating within the airspace of Bandar Abbas County near Hajiabad when it was shot down.

Iranian military officials said the incident occurred while air defence teams were engaged in countering “enemy attacks and securing the country’s airspace.”

There was no immediate confirmation from the United States regarding Iran’s claim that an American drone had been shot down.

CENTCOM Releases Footage Of Fresh Strikes On Iran

The US military released footage of its latest operation against Iran amid continued escalation between the two countries.

The video released by CENTCOM showed fighter aircraft taking off from aircraft carriers and precision strikes targeting Iranian positions.

CENTCOM said American forces carried out a fresh series of offensive strikes on July 12, hitting dozens of locations across Iran.

The operation was aimed at degrading Tehran’s ability to attack international commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, US forces targeted Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar facilities, missile and drone infrastructure and fast-attack military vessels.

US Deploys One-Way Attack Sea Drones For First Time

CENTCOM said fighter aircraft, naval warships and one-way attack aerial drones were used during the operation.

The military command said the strikes also marked the first operational deployment of one-way attack sea drones.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Iran does not control it,” CENTCOM said.

The US military said its forces remained deployed and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial shipping despite what it described as Iran’s continued aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary declarations.

According to CENTCOM, the latest strikes followed an Iranian attack on a container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

The attack left the commercial ship severely damaged by fire and one crew member missing, the US military said.

Iran Claims Strikes On US Military Installations

Iran claimed it launched retaliatory strikes against several American military installations across the Middle East following the US attacks.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, a US military drone command hub in Bahrain and several airbases, including Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

Missile warning sirens were activated across Bahrain early Monday following the claimed Iranian attacks.

Authorities urged residents to immediately seek shelter as the security situation deteriorated.

Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

There were no immediate official reports confirming casualties or structural damage from the claimed Iranian strikes.

US Strikes Kill At Least One Person In Iran

Iranian state media reported that multiple explosions were heard at locations across the country following the latest US military strikes.

At least one person was killed during the American bombardment, according to Iranian state media.

The latest exchange of attacks has further intensified tensions across the Gulf, with the United States continuing strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and Tehran claiming retaliatory attacks against US facilities in neighbouring countries.

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