Iran’s IRGC has claimed it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone and opened fire on an F-35 fighter jet and an RQ-4 surveillance drone over the Gulf region, dramatically escalating tensions after reported U.S.-Israeli strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says the F-35 retreated after coming under Iranian fire, while warning it reserves the right to respond to any ceasefire violations. The escalation unfolded as Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for peace talks and Marco Rubio insisted diplomacy was still possible. Meanwhile, oil markets reacted nervously amid fears that renewed clashes could threaten global shipping routes through the vital Hormuz chokepoint.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for shooting down a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone after what it described as a hostile intrusion into…

The escalated tensions come hours after the US said it struck Iranian missile sites and boats. The statement issued by US CENTCOM did not give further details. | World News

Iranian forces destroyed one MQ-9 drone