Iran Says It Shot Down US MQ‑9 Reaper Drone Worth $30 Million

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB posted photographs that it says show the wreckage of a United States MQ‑9 Reaper unmanned combat aircraft on the Iranian coastline. The images display a burning airframe with a large propeller embedded in sand, which Iranian officials identify as the $30 million drone that was allegedly brought down by Iran's air‑defence systems.

The claim comes after a night of US strikes that hit more than 80 targets inside Iran, described by Washington as retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Tehran launched attack drones and missiles toward US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, prompting air‑raid sirens in those countries.

The United States has not confirmed the loss of the drone or commented on Iran's allegations.