Iran has claimed that it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone and warned that any continued military pressure could disrupt normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with what it described as serious consequences for the global economy. The United States, meanwhile, has claimed it targeted more than 170 Iranian military sites over the past two days, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Air Defense Unit detected, intercepted and destroyed a U.S. MQ-9 drone as part of Iran's air defense operations. The United States has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the claim. The claim has not been independently verified.
Iran warned the United States that if military pressure and attacks continue, normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could be affected. Tehran said such a development would pose a serious challenge not only to the region but also to the global economy.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of global crude oil supplies reaches international markets. Any military escalation in the area could affect oil supplies and energy prices.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that missile and drone strikes targeted more than 170 Iranian military sites on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Iranian officials said U.S. airstrikes also occurred near the Bushehr nuclear facility but claimed that the nuclear installation was not damaged. U.S. officials later said American forces were not involved in some recent explosions in southern Iran and that Washington continues to support a diplomatic resolution.
Iran also claimed it launched missiles toward U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The respective countries said their air defense systems intercepted several missiles and drones before they reached their targets.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have also affected global energy markets. Crude oil prices recorded a modest decline in early trading, although both major benchmarks remained elevated during the week.
Analysts said prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could have a significant impact on global oil supplies and prices.
After two consecutive days of large-scale military operations, the United States did not conduct any new airstrikes on Thursday, according to the reports.
Reports said Washington is seeking to reduce tensions while keeping negotiations related to Iran's nuclear programme open. According to sources, Qatar, Pakistan and several other regional countries have been attempting to maintain dialogue between the two sides to prevent further escalation.
U.S. media reports claimed that Israel had previously shared intelligence with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential security threat from Iran. Neither the United States nor Iran has officially commented on the reports.
Following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, discussions have intensified over the public appearance of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to Iranian media, Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to attend a mourning ceremony in Qom. However, speculation has also emerged regarding his health and security.
