IRGC Says It Downed MQ-9 Drone After US Struck Southern Iran Targets
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · May 26
IRGC Says It Downed MQ-9 Drone After US Struck Southern Iran Targets
11 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · May 26
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said Tuesday it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper in the Gulf region after what it called a hostile aircraft entered Iranian airspace.
The IRGC also said it fired at an F-35 and an RQ-4 drone, forcing the fighter to leave, and warned it retained a “legitimate and definite” right to answer any U.S. ceasefire violations.
U.S. Central Command said American forces had carried out overnight “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran against boats allegedly laying mines and against missile launch sites to protect U.S. troops.
The exchange points to continued military friction despite the ceasefire, with both sides framing their actions as defensive.
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Iran Downs U.S. Drone: Ceasefire Violations Threaten Gulf Stability and Trigger Global Energy Shock
Overview
On May 26, 2026, the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was shattered when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Persian Gulf, claiming precise intelligence monitoring. Iran also forced other U.S. aircraft to retreat and issued strong warnings of decisive retaliation for further violations. This escalation, rooted in ongoing tensions over control of Gulf shipping and recent alleged attacks on Iranian vessels, triggered immediate U.S. self-defense strikes. The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of U.S. drones and threatens to unravel diplomatic efforts, pushing the region closer to broader conflict.