Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims destruction of MQ-1 drone over Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on May 31 that it shot down a US MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it used a new air defense system to intercept the aircraft. The IRGC went further, asserting it had also engaged a US F-35 fighter jet during the encounter. US Central Command confirmed losing the MQ-1 but flatly denied any F-35 was involved. What we know about the shootdown The MQ-1, a workhorse surveillance and strike platform valued at roughly $4 million, was reportedly operating within international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz when it was intercepted. The drone is capable of staying airborne for up to 24 hours and can be armed with Hellfire missiles, making it a versatile tool for both reconnaissance and targeted strikes. The IRGC credited a new air defense system for the intercept, though it did not provide technical specifications or independent verification. Following the shootdown, US forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian air defense systems and other military assets. The Strait of Hormuz problem The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important chokepoints on the planet. At its narrowest, it stretches roughly ...