Iranian state media reported air defenses shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone in Bushehr province, citing the local governor and sharing unverified thermal footage. Celebrations erupted in Tehran with flag-waving crowds showing support for the military. U.S. Central Command quickly denied the claim, confirming all American air assets are accounted for amid ongoing Persian Gulf tensions and a pattern of similar disputed reports.
Iran Claims Downing U.S. Drone Near Bushehr, Pentagon Denies Loss
Clinton Machuki