Iran claims it shot down a drone over the Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian army says it has shot down a drone over the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian news agency Fars reported on Sunday. The news was carried by Al Jazeera’s live broadcast, which announced it would give more details as soon as it has them.

The claim comes on the heels of a series of similar announcements by Tehran in recent weeks about the downing of American MQ-1 Predator drones over or near the strategic strait. Iran is trying to strengthen control over maritime traffic in the area, while the United States enforces the naval blockade reimposed in July.

So far there has been no independent confirmation of the alleged Sunday incident, and the American side has not commented. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation: Tehran keeps it closed until, according to it, the US fulfils the commitments of the June agreement, while Washington insists on enforcing the blockade.

The alleged incident further deepens tensions in the Persian Gulf, on a day when Tehran also warned of a “painful response” if the US launches a new attack.

Source: Al Jazeera (according to the Fars agency)