The United States military has shot down an Iranian drone that flew towards the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, according to U.S. Central Command.
The U.S. military said the Iranian Shahed-139 drone approached the USS Abraham Lincoln “aggressively” and “with unclear intent”.
"An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defence and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board," Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for the US military's Central Command, said.
Hawkins said the Abraham Lincoln was around 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast when the unmanned aircraft “unnecessarily maneuvered” toward the ship.
Hours after the drone was shot down, Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged and crewed merchant vessel that was lawfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
These incidents could escalate tensions between the long-time adversaries, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with does not negotiate a deal over its nuclear program.
Trump threatened to hit the Islamic Republic during mass demonstrations against the regime last month, but ultimately held back from strikes.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is due to discuss with Iranian officials later this week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that these meetings are still scheduled to take place.
“As for the president, he remains committed to always pursuing diplomacy first,” Leavitt said.
“But in order for diplomacy to work of course it takes two to tango. You need a willing partner to engage.”
Leavitt said Trump “always has a range of options on the table and that includes the use of military force.”
