IRGC says US MQ-1 dronedowned after entering Iranian territorial waters

The IRGC reported that its air defense units successfully tracked and engaged a US MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle that had entered Iranian territorial waters in the early hours of Sunday.

According to a statement carried by Sepah News Agency, the drone was detected and monitored before being targeted and destroyed using advanced defensive missile systems.

The IRGC stressed that Iran maintains full control over the airspace above its territorial waters and warned that any violation of the country’s sovereignty or hostile action would be met with a firm and immediate response.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, when Iran accused the United States and Israel of launching coordinated military actions against the country.

In response to those attacks, Iran carried out what it described as precision retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets and US military installations across the region.

After 40 days of hostilities, a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition was announced on April 7, 2026, initially for a two-week period, helping to ease tensions while diplomatic efforts continued.