Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it destroyed an American MQ-1 Predator drone near the Strait of Hormuz on May 31, asserting the unmanned aircraft entered Iranian airspace “with hostile intent.” The US Central Command has pushed back, stating the drone was operating over international waters.
The US didn’t stop at a statement. Retaliatory strikes followed, targeting Iranian radar installations and drone command facilities.
What happened and why it matters
The MQ-1 Predator is a remotely piloted surveillance and light strike platform valued in the millions of dollars.
The IRGC says it used advanced surface-to-air missiles to bring the drone down. Washington says the aircraft was in international airspace, making this, in the US view, an unprovoked attack on American military assets.
