JAKARTA - US fighter jets shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday that approached the American aircraft carrier.
"USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was crossing the Arabian Sea about 500 miles off the southern coast of Iran when an Iranian Shahed-139 drone maneuvered towards the ship," said US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, February 4.
Hawkins's drone continued to fly towards the ship despite de-escalation measures by US forces operating in international waters, and ensured the safety of US personnel, ships and aircraft in the Middle East.
"Iran's continued harassment and threats in international waters and airspace will not be tolerated." Iran's unnecessary aggression near US forces, regional partners, and commercial vessels increases the risk of collision, miscalculation, and regional destabilization," he added.
Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News she had contacted the Pentagon, which said CENTCOM was acting "appropriately and necessary" to protect US personnel and equipment in the region.
"So, CENTCOM did make the decision to shoot down the Iranian drone. The drone was unmanned and acted aggressively against the USS Lincoln, which we know was in the area at the direction of President Trump," Leavitt said.
However, Leavitt stressed that US President Donald Trump remains committed to "always" pursuing diplomatic efforts, while stressing that diplomacy requires cooperation between the two warring parties.
For this reason, said Leavitt, special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to hold talks with the Iranians this weekend.
"The talks are still scheduled for now, but of course, the president always has various options, and that includes the use of military force, the Iranians know it better than anyone," he added.
Source: Anadolu
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