Iran downs US MQ-9 drone over central province

Iranian air defense systems shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone over the central city of Khomein in Markazi province on Tuesday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, amid escalating US military operations against Tehran.

Drone intercepted over Khomein

The unmanned aerial vehicle was intercepted by Iranian defense systems over the skies of Khomein, Tasnim said, without providing technical details of the engagement or the aircraft's mission profile. The incident marks the latest flashpoint in increasingly contested airspace over the Islamic Republic.

US strikes IRGC positions

The downing came shortly after US Central Command announced that American forces had begun targeting positions associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps inside Iran. Washington has intensified its air campaign against Tehran since late February, with the Pentagon confirming fresh sorties against military installations this week.

Blockade follows failed diplomacy

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained acute since the conflict erupted seven months ago. A framework deal signed in June through Pakistani and Qatari mediation failed to halt hostilities, and Washington launched a two-week bombing campaign in July before reimposing a naval blockade over disputes concerning navigation rights in the strait.