U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet shot down Iranian Shahed-139 drone on Tuesday evening, as part of a growing escalation of maritime tensions between the two countries. The drone was intercepted after it "maneuvered aggressively" toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated.
The Interception
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 PM (local time) while the USS Abraham Lincoln was in international waters in the North Arabian Sea, about 500 miles from Iran's southern coast. The carrier strike group’s advanced radar systems detected the drone, according to a CENTCOM spokesperson. After several de-escalatory warnings and signals from U.S. forces, the UAV continued its high-speed approach with “unclear intent,” leading to the deployment of an F-35C designed to neutralize the threat. “Today, a US F-35C shot down an Iranian Shahed drone that flew aggressively and with unclear intent toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier,” a spokesperson confirmed.
Escalating Regional Tensions
The shootdown comes during a period of deep turmoil in the Middle East region. The area has witnessed, in the last few weeks:
- Anti-Government Protests: The extent of unrest inside Iran which the Iranian authorities blame on foreign interference.
- Military Buildup: "Steel armada" led by USS Abraham Lincoln deployed to deter any potential Iranian retaliation.
- Energy Impact: After the shootdown, world oil prices edged up to $68 per barrel, as markets responded to the possibility of a wider conflict.
Iran’s Recent Naval Movements
Earlier this week, satellite imagery analyzed revealed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy deploying its own drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, into position near the Strait of Hormuz. The Shahed-139, an upgraded variant of the long-range loitering munitions deployed in recent global conflicts, was probably launched to test whether the U.S. carrier defenses were up to the task, analysts believe.
The Pentagon has not yet reported any damage to the carrier or its escort ships, but officials remain on high alert. It is the first direct kinetic engagement of U.S. and Iranian assets in 2026, a tenuous new chapter in the stalemate.
