Iran Claims Downing US MQ-9 Drone, Warns of Economic Risks to Numerous Countries
News Summary
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- Iran’s air defense unit claims to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone; the US has yet to issue an official response.
- Escalating tensions between the US and Iran have halted shipping through the Hormuz Strait, causing volatility in global crude oil prices.
- Iran accuses the US of launching attacks on sites including the Bushehr nuclear facility, although the US denies involvement in recent explosions.
June 26, Kathmandu – Iran has asserted that its air defense system successfully intercepted and downed a US MQ-9 drone. According to Iranian news agencies, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) air defense unit detected, intercepted, and destroyed the drone on Wednesday.
However, the United States has yet to provide an official response to this claim. Over the past two days, the US has alleged having carried out missile and drone strikes on more than 170 military sites in Iran.
According to US sources, these attacks targeted air defense systems, missile and drone depots, military speedboats, and facilities near the Hormuz Strait.
An Iranian official also stated that the US conducted an airstrike targeting the Bushehr nuclear facility, though no damage was reported at the site.
Meanwhile, the IRGC has warned the US against interference in the Hormuz Strait, stating that if US attacks continue, normal maritime traffic might not be restored, which would have significant repercussions on the global economy.
In retaliation to US strikes, Iran has fired missiles at US military bases located in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These countries have also reported intercepting several missiles and drones.
Iran claims the US launched a cruise missile attack on a strategic railway bridge in northern Iran connected with China and Russia, describing the strike as a “war crime.”
Explosions Reported in Bushehr, Konarak, and Sirik, Iran
On Thursday, several explosions occurred across southern Iran. State media reported blasts near the Bushehr nuclear facility, as well as in the Konarak and Sirik regions. Iran attributed these incidents to “enemies” without specifying any country.
Meanwhile, US officials denied American military involvement in these recent attacks and indicated that diplomatic efforts to seek resolution with Tehran are ongoing. Analysts suggest Israel may be behind these operations.
Following two days of extensive strikes against Iran, the US has announced no further airstrikes on Thursday. US officials noted that the Trump administration is now focused on easing tensions and keeping diplomatic channels open on the nuclear issue.
Qatar, Pakistan, and other regional nations are reportedly mediating to reduce tensions between the US and Iran and to restart technical-level talks.
Near-Complete Halt of Oil Tanker Traffic in the Hormuz Strait
According to Reuters, shipping in the Hormuz Strait came to a near standstill on Thursday amid rising tensions between the US and Iran. This disruption has heightened concerns about global oil supply, pushing crude oil prices up by nearly 1 percent.
Al Jazeera reported that Iran temporarily exported at least 10 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil. This move is believed to be a strategic response by Iran due to fears of a renewed US naval blockade.
Despite ongoing conflict, early trading on Friday showed a slight decline in crude oil prices. Brent crude dropped by 6 cents (0.08%) to $76.24 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude decreased by 4 cents (0.06%) to $72.04 per barrel. However, prices remain elevated when viewed over the week as a whole.