The US military stated that a UAV made an “aggressively” close approach to the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea
American forces downed an Iranian drone on Tuesday after it came “aggressively” close to the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, according to a Reuters report citing US officials.
An Iranian Shahed-139 drone was heading for the carrier “with unclear intent,” Reuters noted, quoting the US military.
This reported event occurs as a US naval group spearheaded by the Abraham Lincoln stations itself in the area and diplomatic moves to set up nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US are in progress.
“An F-35C fighter jet from the Abraham Lincoln downed the Iranian drone in self-defense to safeguard the aircraft carrier and its crew,” US Central Command spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins informed Reuters. He further stated that no American personnel were injured.
Following the news, oil futures increased by over one dollar per barrel.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid stated that while US-Iranian team talks were scheduled for this Friday, Tehran has “demanded changes to the venue and format.” “The Iranians aim to confine the discussions to nuclear matters and avoid topics like missiles and proxy groups, which are key concerns for other regional nations,” he asserted.
Earlier this week, the Kuwaiti paper Al-Jarida reported that involvement from Moscow and Ankara had reduced the prospect of a US strike on Iran, facilitating dialogue. Russia has consistently expressed its view that the Iranian nuclear matter must be settled via political and diplomatic channels.
Despite issuing threats of further military measures, Trump stated to reporters on Sunday that he hopes “we make a deal” with Iran. The US left the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, leading Tehran to progressively reduce its adherence and enrich uranium to a 60% purity level.