Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday that its forces shot down U.S.-made Lucas drones near the Persian Gulf, just hours after American forces reportedly carried out defensive strikes on the country.
The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency said the drones were downed over the port city of Bandar Khamir. The IRGC also allegedly shot down another drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night.
On Monday night, the U.S. carried out what were described as limited defensive strikes against Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to several reports.
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It is unclear what triggered the U.S. strikes. Some reports indicate that Iran had fired on a U.S. aircraft in the region, while others say Tehran was preparing to use surface-to-air missiles on American assets.
U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, did not respond to a request for comment. The Department of Defense has not officially acknowledged the reported strikes.
Iran-affiliated media reported five large explosions in succession on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Residents on nearby Hengam Island and Bandar Abbas reported hearing several loud explosions.
The IRGC has not confirmed that strikes took place on Qeshm.
Still, the reported strikes may have alarmed members of Iran’s political leadership.
Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has served as the lead negotiator in peace talks with the U.S., warned Tuesday that his country had delivered a “firm and rational response” to Washington.
“Regional countries should know that Iran is as ready for battle as if it had its finger on the trigger, but it has given the US a strong and rational response. The ball is now in Washington’s court to prevent war,” Mr. Ghalibaf told members of Iran’s parliament.
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