Speaking to Tasnim on Tuesday, the informed source commented on claims by a British media outlet alleging that an Iranian drone was targeted by a US aircraft near the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
He said the Shahed-129 drone had been conducting its routine and lawful mission over international waters, noting that the drone was engaged in identification, surveillance, and imaging activities, and describing the mission as a normal and legally permitted operation in open waters.
According to the source, the drone successfully transmitted its reconnaissance and surveillance images to the command center, but subsequently experienced a loss of communication. The source added that the reason for the communication cutoff is under review and that further details will be announced once the matter is clarified.
His comments came after Reuters quoted the US military as saying that it had shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, claiming that the Iranian Shahed-139 drone was flying toward the carrier with “unclear intent” before being downed by a US F-35 fighter jet.