Iran’s military announced on Tuesday morning that it had destroyed a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the strike, coinciding with attacks on two oil tankers using sea mines. Fires broke out on both unnamed ships.
Since the start of conflict between the US and Iran, the US has lost at least 24 MQ-9 Reapers, two MQ-1 drones, and one MQ-4C Triton. This represents a loss exceeding $800 million, according to a Congressional Budget Office report from September.
The IRGC claimed that the two oil tankers were trying to navigate the Strait without Tehran’s approval. The Trump administration had endorsed a southern route, but Iran does not recognize this. Iran has consistently challenged US assertions of having control over this strategic area.
In August, President Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz was free of mines, with US forces ensuring safety. Nonetheless, Iran’s actions indicate ongoing threats to vessels in the area.
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