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President Trump announced on Thursday that a U.S. warship destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz. Amid the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran since U.S. withdrawal from the Iranian Nuclear Deal back in 2018.

Speaking at a press conference President Trump informed the media of the destroyed Iranian drone stating, “I want to apprise everyone of an incident in the Strait of Hormuz today, involving USS Boxer, a US Navy amphibious assault ship. The Boxer took defensive action against an Iranian drone which had closed into a very very near distance. Approximately 1,000 yards. Ignoring multiple calls to stand down and threatening the safety of the ship and the ship’s crew. The drone was immediately destroyed.” the President stated.

The President continues, “This is the latest of many hostile and provocative actions by Iran against vessel operating in international waters. The U.S. reserves the right to defend personnel, facilities, and interests.”

Trump concludes the address by calling other countries to condemn Iran’s attempts to disrupt the freedom of navigation and global commerce in the strategic waterway in the Persian Gulf.

The drone was taking down by Marines drone electronic jamming equipment. Electronic jamming device is known as Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System. The electronic defense system was deployed the first time in January aboard the USS Kearsarge.

Later Chief Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman released a statement to the press stating, “At approximately 10 a.m. local time, the amphibious ship USS Boxer was in international waters conducting a planned inbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. A fixed wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) approached Boxer and closed within a threatening range. The ship took defensive action against the UAS to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.”

Iran Denies Claim of Drone Destruction by U.S.

Meanwhile, Iran denies the destruction of their drone. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Thursday he had “no information about having lost a drone today.”

Also Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister tweeted on Friday stating, worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS by mistake!”

Adding to the denials is Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi stating, “”Contrary to Trump’s delusional and groundless claim, all drones belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, including the one mentioned by the US President, have returned to their bases safe and sound after carrying out their scheduled surveillance and control operations,” when speaking to Maher News.

Tensions Remains High Between U.S. and Iran

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been at a all time high recently. With the Trump Administration stepping away from the Iranian Nuclear deal establish back in 2015. Through increased sanctions on Iran that continues to stifle their economy. Recently, to Iran shooting done an American drone in disputed airspace. Which lead to President Trump declaring a target air strike in Iran which he withdrew on zero hour. To the fiery rhetoric between the countries who seem on the verge of war. Here and the U.S. and the world will have to keep our eyes on how this situation develops.

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