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U.S. Downs Iranian Drone Near USS Abraham Lincoln as CENTCOM Highlights Carrier Operations

Tehran disputes the U.S. account, underscoring how routine drone probes are tightening the margin for error.

Image
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jarrett Walden signals an F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, as it launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Jan. 4, 2026. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samuel Evarts)

Overview

  • CENTCOM said an Iranian UAV aggressively approached the Abraham Lincoln strike group in the Arabian Sea and was shot down by an F-35C after ignoring warnings, with no U.S. injuries or damage reported.
  • Iran’s Tasnim News Agency said the drone was on a routine, lawful mission over international waters and transmitted reconnaissance data before its destruction.
  • Reporting identified the UAV as a Shahed-139, described as a longer-range variant related to the Shahed-129 family.
  • CENTCOM released footage showcasing flight operations on the carrier following the intercept, presenting a deterrent message as tensions with Iran rise.
  • Analysts noted that increasingly common drone encounters lower the political cost of probing and compress escalation timelines across Gulf waterways.