Tension between America and Iran in the Arabian Sea has once again increased significantly. On Tuesday (February 3, 2026), the US Navy shot down an Iranian drone. This incident occurred when the Iranian drone was coming very close to the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. In view of the danger, the US Army has called it a necessary action taken in self-defense.
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Attack carried out by F-35 fighter jet
According to reports, the incident occurred in international waters about 500 miles off the southern coast of Iran. The US Navy took action to stop the Iranian Shahed-139 drone moving towards the American ship. It is being told that the American F-35C Lightning II fighter jet took off and destroyed the drone in the air.
This drone was of the same type as the MQ-1 Predator, which is used for both surveillance and attack. America has clarified that the drone was given several signals to retreat, but it did not change its course.
Army said it took action in self-defense
US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins informed that the drone was moving towards the ship in a very aggressive manner. This step had to be taken under international rules and following the ‘Rules of Engagement’ for the safety of our soldiers.
On the other hand, Iranian media say that their drone was only on a surveillance mission and had sent its data before being destroyed. On the same day, there was a standoff between the forces of the two countries over an American tanker ‘Stena Imperative’ in the Strait of Hormuz, which was later handled by American security forces.