Iran says it downed drone over Persian Gulf with domestic air defences

Iranian forces shot down what they described as a hostile drone over the waters of the Persian Gulf late on Monday (May 25), using domestically developed air defence systems, according to Fars.

Iranian officials said the unmanned aircraft was detected and intercepted while operating over the strategically sensitive maritime zone. They did not provide details on the drone’s origin or affiliation, and the claims could not be independently verified.

“This is our warning—no radar-evading drone shall ever again breach the skies of the Persian Gulf,” an Iranian military official was quoted as saying, without offering technical specifics about the system used in the engagement.

Authorities said the incident underscores Iran’s readiness to defend its airspace and maritime approaches. However, operational details of the systems involved remain classified.

In parallel, officials said vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz continued under what they described as coordinated maritime management. Ships previously cleared for transit were expected to complete passage through the waterway within the day, according to the statements.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, handling a significant share of global oil flows. Any disruption there is closely watched by global markets and regional powers.

Iran has repeatedly asserted control over its territorial waters in the Gulf and has in the past announced interceptions of foreign surveillance drones in the region. No independent confirmation of Monday’s incident was immediately available.

By Aghakazim Guliyev