Iran Announces Downing of US MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Bushehr Province

Iranian air defenses shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in Bushehr province, southern Iran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated the downing followed "aerial aggression by the US military early this morning," confirming the drone was targeted by its air defense system over Khormuj, Bushehr. This occurred hours after US forces launched a new round of strikes on Iranian targets for the seventh consecutive night, as announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM affirmed these strikes continue to degrade Iranian military capabilities, directed by the Commander-in-Chief. Earlier reports indicated the IRGC downed a US RQ-11 Raven drone in the country's south, but later confirmations clarified the downed aircraft was an MQ-9, a larger and more advanced model. The Gulf region and Strait of Hormuz face unprecedented military escalation since US President Donald Trump ended a ceasefire with Iran. US forces continue airstrikes on Iranian sites, while Tehran retaliates by targeting US bases and downing drones.