A US F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that “aggressively approached” the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea on February 4, 2026. The drone was destroyed in self-defense, and no American troops were harmed or equipment damaged. The incident occurred about 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast, according to Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins
The downing of the drone comes as the US and Iran are set to resume talks, with US envoy Steve Witkoff expected to meet Iranian officials later this week. However, tensions remain high, with Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian insisting talks will only proceed without threats, and US President Donald Trump warning of “bad things” if a deal isn’t reached
In a separate incident, Iranian forces harassed a US-flagged tanker, M/V Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US destroyer to respond with air support. The tanker was escorted to safety, and no injuries were reported
The US and Iran have been at odds over Iran’s nuclear program, with the US opposing it and Iran insisting it’s for civilian purposes. The talks aim to address this and other issues, including Iran’s missile program and support for proxy forces