Iranian Army says advanced reconnaissance drone destroyed over Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Army has said its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed an advanced reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army Public Relations Department on Sunday evening, the drone was brought down at 18:30 local time by Iranian air defence systems.

“An advanced Orbiter reconnaissance drone was struck and destroyed over the Strait of Hormuz by the fire of indigenous systems belonging to the Army Air Defense Force,” the statement said.

The army said the operation took place in Iran's southeastern region as part of the country's integrated national air defence network.

The statement did not identify the operator of the drone or provide further details about its origin, mission or the circumstances that led to its interception.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is also a major route for international energy shipments.