US Navy fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone near aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea
US forces shot down an Iranian drone near a carrier while IRGC boats harassed a tanker. The events occurred as diplomats sought to arrange nuclear talks.
Insights:
The US 
USmilitary shot down an Iranian 
IRShahed-139 drone on Feb. 3, 2026, as the aircraft approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. An F-35C fighter jet from the carrier strike group destroyed the drone, which was flying toward the vessel with unclear intent. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins tim hawkins, a spokesperson for USCentral Command, stated the action was taken in self-defense to protect the carrier and personnel. No USservice members were harmed and no USequipment was damaged during the encounter.
USmilitary shot down an Iranian IRShahed-139 drone on Feb. 3, 2026, as the aircraft approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. An F-35C fighter jet from the carrier strike group destroyed the drone, which was flying toward the vessel with unclear intent. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins tim hawkins, a spokesperson for USCentral Command, stated the action was taken in self-defense to protect the carrier and personnel. No USservice members were harmed and no USequipment was damaged during the encounter.
