Iran Claims Latest Advanced Defence System Shot Down US MQ-9 Reaper Drone

Iran has announced it used a new air defence system to shoot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. The claim underscores Iran’s defensive capabilities despite months of US and Israeli attacks on its military installations. Iranian media reported the drone crashed near Qeshm Island, south of Iran, describing the interception as the first combat use of the domestically produced Arash-e Kamangir air defence system.

The announcement follows reports of a new US strike on a military site near Bandar Abbas, even as talks continue on a potential agreement to end the conflict between the two nations. Iran’s claim also raises questions about the extent of Tehran’s remaining air defence capabilities after its network was damaged by intense attacks over the past three months. Additionally, it is unclear whether Iran can withstand further US and Israeli strikes if diplomatic efforts to ease tensions fail.

Iran’s announcement: Semi-official Fars news agency, as reported by Al Jazeera on 29 May 2026, stated that Iran used the Arash-e Kamangir system to intercept an enemy reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.