Iran: US official claims Iran shot down a US drone over Hormuz June 20

Event

On Thursday, June 20, a US official said Iran has shot down a US drone over the Strait of Horrmuz while Iranian state-run media claimed earlier that Iran has shot down a US drone in southern coastal province of Hormozga. Details are still emerging. Further escalation of tension is possible in the near term.

Context

Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased since May 2018, as President Donald Trump announced the US will leave the 2015 nuclear deal and decided reimpose sanctions on Iran's economy. Iran has been threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy waterway and the only sea route in and out of the Gulf, in response to the renewed sanctions.

Recent attacks targeting oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, on June 13, were attributed to Iran by the US, further increasing tensions between the two countries.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation.